Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

Today' devotion

5/31/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

When Your Future May Seem Uncertain
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Matthew 6:31-33

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Sometimes, when your future is feeling ambiguous and you are afraid because you don’t know what to do next, faith in God can waver. During those times, it’s easy to forget that God does understand how uncertain your life seems. But our Father God knows your needs at all times. It is during these stressful periods that you must cling to the truth in His Word. The bible tells us in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

So stay in His Word. Direct your thoughts to hearing His voice through the verses you read. Satan would whisper lies to you so that your fear builds and consumes your thoughts. But there is peace and rest in God’s Word. Your direction can be found in the bible because He speaks to us when we earnestly seek out His wisdom and truth.
Scripture Quote: My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:13-14 (ESV)
Today’s meditation: God is always near.
Memory Verse: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11(ESV)

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Today's devotion

5/30/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Using God’s Armor
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading for the day: Ephesians 6:10-18

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Scripture Quote: “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)

God tells us in His Word exactly how to defeat Satan. He offers us His protection when we take the time to arm ourselves with each component. We must know and accept His truth so that Christ’s righteousness shines through us. God’s Word is the gospel of peace and the sword with which we conquer Satan’s tricks. It prepares us to stand against the enemy’s lies so we must know and cherish it. Also, keep your faith strong, Christ’s sacrifice, which is your salvation, should be firmly uppermost in your mind. And always pray in the Spirit for God’s help and for His Will to be done.

All of God’s tools are given to His children and they are our strength. He is with us through our struggles with the enemy and He will give us the courage and competence to withstand whatever Satan throws at us. We only need to believe in and implement God’s powerful armor so we can stand firm in His shelter.

Today’s meditation: Satan yearns to deceive and destroy the Christian - With God’s help, we can always be prepared.

Memory Verse: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

5/27/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

Staying Free of Sin
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Psalms 32:1-5

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Scripture Quote: “Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.: Jeremiah 2:19 (NIV)

It is a futile effort to look for or expect happiness while the power of sin is carelessly integrated into our daily lives, with its guilt unpardoned and its impurity not purged away. Sin can creep into our lives because it is so easy to forget the need for diligence. If sin is left unchecked for too long, we can become hardened and unwilling to humble ourselves by confessing our sinfulness to our God. Our souls can become despondent under bondage to all the wrong things. Before we know it, we have allowed the world’s overwhelmingly evil power to entrench itself within, causing only unhappiness. We are then not much different from the lost.

However, it is never too late for a repentant heart to confess sin thoroughly and sincerely. When we cease any attempt to cover-up or make excuse for our offenses, our heavenly Father forgives. God wants to melt any hardness of heart and free us from the burden sin brings. Confession causes us to move closer to God as we experience his forgiveness. We can always be confident in the mercy of the Lord.

Today’s meditation: Recognize those things that tempt you and confess them immediately to God.

Memory Verse: "Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Romans 4:7 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

5/26/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

The Danger of Wealth Without Charity
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-31

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Scripture Quote: "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘you are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.” Job 31:24-28 (NIV)

The account of the rich man tells us he was an uncharitable man who was unmoved by another's torment. He lived out his life in the ease and comfort that wealth can provide a person - Lazarus, not so much. Since the rich man was without mercy and the love of God was not present in his heart, he had no place in heaven after his death. But Lazarus was escorted into paradise to live forever with God.

Financial status is irrelevant - We can give cheerfully towards the welfare of those in need from whatever resources we have. The compassion we show others demonstrates God to them. We need to conform in our hearts to the spirit and mind of Christ. We who know the Lord and bear His fruit in this lifetime, will stand victorious with all the saints in heaven after our death.

Today’s meditation: Look for opportunities to share.

Memory Verse: "But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’” Luke 16:25 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

5/25/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.comLion’s Den Kind of Faith
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Daniel 6:1-9

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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)

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Today's devotion

5/24/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Enter Boldly
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:1-10

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Scripture Quote: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." Hebrews 10:15-16 (NIV)

In order for us to be God's people, our iniquity must be pardoned, because God is pure and He hates sin. We call a Believer holy when his heart is conformed, as much as it is possible, to the image of God. And even in that state, man can only hope to have God's forgiveness if he has accepted Christ's sacrificial death as the singular means to his salvation. Christ died once for all and that is the only way by which we are able to approach our perfect Heavenly Father as His own.

Since sin has been pardoned by Christ's blood, there is no need of any more sacrifice for sin, which was previously always to be repeated by the high priests, along with a long list of human requirements that needed to be met in order to temporarily obtain God's forgiveness. By Jesus offering himself once for the forgiveness of all humanity’s sinfulness, he has perfected forever those set aside for God through faith. By the blood of Jesus, Christians can now boldly enter the Most Holy Place and being justified by His blood, we have a right to all the blessings of the eternal kingdom. Oh, how He loves us!

Today’s meditation: God is personally accessible to us.

Memory Verse: For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

5/23/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Thank God We Are His Sheep
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Psalms 23:1-6

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Scripture Quote: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Believers are like a flock of sheep under the direction of our God, who condescends to be called the Shepherd of His people. We lack nothing under His provision because He has all power in heaven and earth. Our God knows our needs and His Grace leads us in the way we should go. He protects us from our enemies just like a shepherd keeps his flock from being injured or killed by ravenous predators. If any of us stray from His path, He brings us back and gives us green pastures that are tranquil and always safe to rest upon.

As the sun gives earth power to revolve, Jesus, the Son, enables us through His power. We can walk in a godly manner, while illuminating His attributes through us, to a lost world. And even in the darkest valley, He sustains us against evil. His majesty is our comfort and assurance in the face of our enemies. God never leaves His true followers because one day He wants us to dwell with Him in glory.

Today’s meditation: Sheep aren’t terribly bright – For this reason, the shepherd stays close by to keep them safe.

Memory Verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Mathew 11:28 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

5/21/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
The Struggle Within Ourselves
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:1-7

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Scripture Quote: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Christ followers strive to emulate Him in word and deed. But, by trying to conform to the behavior of our holy Savior, we will struggle with our flesh continually. We have the formula for perfection from God by revelation through His Word. Just because we may know something, it doesn't necessarily follow that we are actually capable of accomplishing it. Still, God requires that His children desire a mind that thinks as Jesus does and a heart that is dominated by love.

There is great reward in the heart in which Christ dwells and rules, even as it struggles to reach His standards. Until we are raised into eternity, we won't be able to achieve a level of self-control that never falters. Neither will we love unselfishly at all times. But, if we can dwell on the many blessings we have already received, and concentrate on the light Christ shines on our path each day as we seek and see the good in life, we will have come that much closer to the goal. Let God’s light shine through you whenever possible. Darkness flees in the presence of light.

Today’s meditation: Put God's Word into practice by your thoughts and actions.

Memory Verse: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

5/20/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Unkind Judgements
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Mathew 7:1-5

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Scripture Quote: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sin.” Mathew 6:14-15 (NIV)

It’s hard to look honestly into our own darkness. We must admit our ugly judgements of others - It’s crazy, because we often are ourselves guilty of the thing we criticize. We are foolish to think that our nasty judgmentalism goes undetected. God hears those mumbled snide remarks. Our heavenly Father knows who we are under the surface of who we project ourselves to be. If we will face our sinfulness, we can ask God's forgiveness. With His help, we can gradually choke out that mean, hypocritical disposition so that we can dispose of any harsh, uncharitable judgements against others.

We can shed the evil within our secret selves, just as a chubby, squirmy caterpillar is transformed into something so much more beautiful and free. To begin, we can refuse to endeavor to elevate ourselves above others. As believers, its just awful to cling to a deluded perspective of ourselves and think that there should be no good quality found anywhere other than ourselves. Do you realize that the other guy is struggling with illusions of grandeur too? God sees it all, yet He will forgive us. He will always guide a yielded, repentant heart to embrace justice and mercy.

Today’s meditation: Be kind to one another.

Memory Verse: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Mathew 7:12 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

5/19/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Ask As A Child
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Luke 11: 9-13

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Scripture Quote: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Mat 7:7-8 (NIV)

When children pray, they never hesitate to ask God for whatever they want. They are too young to filter their requests as adults often do. They are not concerned with asking within reasonable limits, nor do they try to appear unselfish in their requests. Children are open and honest when they pray. Maybe that is why the bible tells us to come to God as little children.

So when you pray, reveal your heart, realizing your own inability to provide what it is that you need. Ask with humble confidence because God is ever disposed to give mercy to His children. And when you sometimes must wait on God, persist relentlessly as a child would do, until God grants you answers. Remember, though, that His answer is not necessarily always going to be the one you were hoping for. But be assured that He will always do what is best for you.

Jesus said that if you remain in Him and His words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Give it a try and see if the Father isn’t happy to be that involved with your true heart’s desires.

Today’s meditation: Ask, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Memory Verse: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 (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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