Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

Daily devotional

10/31/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Transformation
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31
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Scripture Quote: and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (Ephesians 3:19-20 NIV)

We can't compare any person or power on earth to the unfathomable might of God. We know that he has placed every star in its place, every grain of sand in the sea and every child in their mother's womb. He is master of everything and there is not one problem He can't solve. So, we pray to God about our difficulties. We ask for His healing intervention for our loved ones and friends who are ill. We look to His divine nature to transform circumstances and help us cope with life as we are experiencing it.

We can also ask that God change us. While He does sometimes soften our circumstances, He almost always wants us to be transformed by them, so that we grow and mature. Any time we have to face a situation that is confusing or frightening, God can change us to reflect the image of His son more clearly, rather than take the difficulty away. We can chose to trust Him completely and face our limitations with expectancy - His power within us draws us closer and also increases our capability. As we trust and obey, God will make us more like Christ.

Today’s meditation: God wants His children to become more like Jesus.

Memory Verse: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. (Ephesians 3:16 NIV)

Today's devotion

10/28/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@

Transformation

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31

click here to read the scripture

Scripture Quote: and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (Ephesians 3:19-20 NIV)

We can't compare any person or power on earth to the unfathomable might of God. We know that he has placed every star in its place, every grain of sand in the sea and every child in their mother's womb. He is master of everything and there is not one problem He can't solve. So, we pray to God about our difficulties. We ask for His healing intervention for our loved ones and friends who are ill. We look to His divine nature to transform circumstances and help us cope with life as we are experiencing it.

We can also ask that God change us. While He does sometimes soften our circumstances, He almost always wants us to be transformed by them, so that we grow and mature. Any time we have to face a situation that is confusing or frightening, God can change us to reflect the image of His son more clearly, rather than take the difficulty away. We can chose to trust Him completely and face our limitations with expectancy - His power within us draws us closer and also increases our capability. As we trust and obey, God will make us more like Christ.

Today’s meditation: God wants His children to become more like Jesus.

Memory Verse: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. (Ephesians 3:16 NIV)

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Today's devotion

10/27/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

Simple Ambassadors

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1-13

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Scripture Quote: But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:19-20 NIV)

Peter and John were on trial for preaching a sermon about Jesus and for performing miracles in His name - This was considered a crime. Faced with the hatred of the powerful elders and the knowledgeable scribes, these simple men were emboldened with incredible courage. Peter and John were simple fisherman. The rulers and elders came with their knowledge and power expecting to confuse and intimidate the apostles. However, Peter courageously told them that it was by the name of Jesus, whom they had crucified, that they preached and healed.

Jesus used simple people with no outstanding accomplishments to be his ambassadors of instruction and spokesmen of His Gospel. He used a poor widow's meager offering of two small coins as a model of a sacrificial gift. Christ said that she had given more than most others. She gave all that she had out of devotion to God. We are also meant to speak up for the truth of His Gospel. Some of us are highly educated, some not so much, but our position in this world is irrelevant - Christians are not eloquent speakers or heroes, but simply saved sinners meant to spread His truth in love.

Today’s meditation: Tell God’s truth to whoever will listen.

Memory Verse: For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. (Luke 21:15 NIV)

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Today's devotion

10/26/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

Service in Marriage

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: John 13:1-13

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Scripture Quote: May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, (Romans 15:5)

When our spouse helps out around the house, jobs are quickly whittled away. Whether she sweeps up the sawdust from his project in the garage, or he vacuums the floor without hesitation when necessary, those acts of service bring with them feelings of love and caring for each other. Sometimes, if we forget to pay attention, we can get too involved with our own agendas and miss those opportunities to serve our spouses. Humility and service can always help reconcile a disgruntled partner and stand as a perfect examples of our love.

We should be ready, after Christ's example, to condescend to all of our spouses weaknesses and perform whatever act of service seems necessary to restore. Marriage is not an equal give and take, as so many newlyweds anticipate - It is a constant giving on both the partners part. In disputes, the one who needs the victory most should be the winner, which in no way negates the importance of the other. If both partners are intent on serving and giving to their spouse, both are also receiving and being cherished - It's a win, win relationship when we emulate Jesus and His love for us.

Today’s meditation: Serve your spouse, even as Christ served.

Memory Verse: Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. (John 13:14 NIV)

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Today's devotion

10/25/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

Rationalizing Sin

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 2:1-7

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Scripture Quote: I worship you with all my heart. Don't let me walk away from your commands. I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. Psalms 119:10-12 CEV)

There are different levels of obedience, as any parent can attest. Take the child who knows he has had the allowed number of cookies. When you walk in on him munching all available bits and pieces, he says, "These weren't whole cookies." So technically, he only had a pile of pieces! Is that really obedience? Adults are often not much more obedient to God's Law. A man may consider himself an honest person, even as he takes office supplies from work. He says, "Hey, I put in a lot of extra effort around here. This company owes me." We rationalize our sinfulness and legitimize our behavior until we convince ourselves that, although we are not "perfect," we love God and "try" to do our best.

Obedient Christians do follow the laws of justice, mercy, and truth – We treasure them because God has written them on our hearts. Others understand intellectually, but choose to do what seems expedient to them, rather than taking God’s narrow path. We disobey and think that He will understand our vulnerability. However, our Heavenly Father has already sent Jesus to redeem us. So, he who has the Word of God in his heart, controls his behavior as a dutiful child obeys a loving parent.

Today’s meditation: God sees ALL your sin – Pray for His help.

Memory Verse: With wisdom you will learn what is right and honest and fair. (Proverbs 2:9 CEV)

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Today's devotion

10/23/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Pray the Bible

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

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Scripture Quote: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14 NIV)

The Bible is the revelation of God's Will. We can only know His will through study and meditation on His Word. Christians can be confident to approach God through prayer. His promises, that are scattered throughout the Bible, are ours to hold on to and firmly believe. Our prayers are the language of God's children and we are correct in petitioning Him to help us in a daily, hourly, constant way. Prayer is the language of dependence on God. Our Father does answer His children because He loves us and wants to help us.

Believers need to understand God's Will so that we are certain that what we ask in prayer is agreeable to His revealed Will. It is very useful to actually use the Bible as a resource for your prayers. If your prayers seem to stop at the ceiling, never actually to get answered, it's a good bet that you are not using Bible verses in the context of your prayers. Repeat God's Word back to Him in the form of petition. Cry out one of David's Psalms, claiming the words for yourself. Or, meditate on passages listed by subject in your index - Let them fill your thoughts - In all probability, a prayer will come to your heart. Prayer is our privilege and our greatest resource.

Today’s meditation: Pray about everything and grow closer to God,

Memory Verse: In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12 NIV)

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today's devotion

10/20/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

One in Christ

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1`4-22

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Scripture Quote: Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— (Ephesians 2:11 NIV)

Between the Jews and the Gentiles there had been a great enmity, as there is between God and Nonbelievers. Jesus brought peace to all the groups by His sacrificial death and encouragement to unify. He removed the previously binding power of ceremonial law, which was the cause of the prevailing enmity between them. By removing ceremonies and rites, and the separation between the two groups in the temple, they were no longer acceptable for demonstrating faithfulness to God - Separation and contention by outward demonstrations were no longer an issue.

Christ formed one church of Believers, whether they had been Jews or Gentiles. He united all Believers to himself as they were renewed into faith in His Gospel message. So Christ not only destroyed the enmity between Gentile and Jew, but also between man and God. Jesus made peace for each of us by the sacrifice of Himself. We have been given free access to the Father, through Christ, with the help of the Holy Spirit. By virtue of Christ's mediation, we can confidently approach the very presence of the Creator of the universe - No greater love has any man ever shown!

Today’s meditation: Christ has made us one.

Memory Verse: Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! (Romans 5:9 NIV)

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Today's devotion

10/19/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

Mustard Seed Faith

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:37-43

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Scripture Quote: He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20 NIV)

There was a possessed child who the disciples were unable to heal. The father of this child begged Jesus to do the healing just after He returned from the mountain where he had been transfigured and conversed with Moses and Elias. Even after experiencing that state of glory, Jesus was still able to condescend to the father's plea to heal his son. He is always mindful and compassionate to His people. He was frustrated by the little bit of faith His people displayed, including His disciples, but He still wants to heal and bless all His followers.

Christians today are no different than those who lived while Jesus walked the earth. We think that we would have believed so completely if we had actually seen and spoken with Christ. We say that those Christians should have had tremendous faith, having seen Christ’s ministry first hand. However, people are weak and distrustful no matter what generation we belong to. We must always remain humble and remember that without Jesus, we are powerless. We are fortunate in that our weakness never hinders the mercy of His Grace.

Today’s meditation: Let your faith grow daily as you study His Word.

Memory Verse: He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40 NIV)

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Today's devotion

10/18/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Let God Use You
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-10
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Scripture Quote: The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire." When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:3b-4 NIV)

When God puts a burden on our hearts, He usually provides a way for us to deal positively with it. Nehemiah was grieved about the Israelites, his ancestors, whose city was in ruins. God used Nehemiah's sad countenance to cause the king to question him, which then gave Nehemiah the chance to ask the king to let him go to help his people. Although he was afraid that the king might get very angry, God provided Nehemiah with courage to ask and also the king's agreeable response.

We always have the option of whether or not to listen to and follow God's directives. God does not need us to bring His Will about. He can use someone else who is not afraid to step out in faith. God does not call us into action without providing what we will need to accomplish His plan. God knows us, including our self-doubt, which is irrelevant. Obedience to God's direction usually increases our faith and diminishes our personal feelings of inadequacy. We don't need to be special, because He is! Christ is our Rock and our Redeemer!

Today’s meditation: Let God enable you to fulfill His purposes.

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)

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October 17th, 2016

10/17/2016

Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com

Flee From the Love of Money

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:20-26

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Scripture Quote: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (1Timothy 6:11 NIV))

There have been ministers, who were eloquent speakers, who also had an indefinable personal attraction, so that many were drawn to them. They spoke God's truth and delivered it in such a way that their popularity increased among the brethren. However, they got caught up in the pedestal others have placed them on - They began to enjoy the prosperity of their churches and the excellent notoriety and income they received. Even they are not out of reach of the love of money. Believers do their ministers no favor by trying to elevate their standing to be above that of their congregation - That’s a trap!

We are all too easily persuaded to seek after money and all the false promises of wealth. Material possessions slowly claim more of our time and attention. Many of the toys we enjoy seem harmless, but that is only until we realize how distracted from our walk with the Lord we have wandered. God's Word tells us to conform to the image of Christ. We know that Jesus traveled without huge provisions and placed very little importance on them. Seek the mind of Christ and His loving Spirit - Nothing else holds the truth we each need to truly prosper in this world.

Today’s meditation: Money can buy the coffin, but that’s about it!

Memory Verse: For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:7 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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