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Today's devotion

12/31/2015

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com

Backslider
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-24

Scripture Quote: I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7 (NIV)

During the prodigal son’s era, a person who worked at feeding pigs was considered to be employed in the vilest of all occupations - Jews were particularly contemptuous of swine-herdsman. In Egypt they were not permitted to mingle with civil society or have any matrimonial opportunity. Purely because of their occupation and association with pigs, they were considered to be shameful sinners.

Today, a desperate drug addict given up to all kinds of evil, who might steal, or even murder if it gained him his next fix, could be compared to the debased swine-herdsman. These kinds of people are shunned by a law abiding society.

Who among us would esteem a murderous drug addict, or choose him as an acceptable candidate to marry one of our kids? Yet, which of us would not be heartbroken to have one of our own children fall into such a despicable lifestyle? And just like the father of the prodigal son, it's a good guess that we would also be elated at our child's reversal and return to us. God, the author of the greatest parental love in existence, is also tremendously joyful over the child who turns away from their sin toward His merciful forgiveness.

Today’s meditation: Sin’s deception destroys, but God’s truth restores.

Memory Verse: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)

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Today's devotional

12/30/2015

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Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com

Anxiety
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Mathew 6:25-34

Scripture Quote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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 4:6-8 (NIV)

Christians who have unshaken confidence in God, rarely find themselves anxious - They are also in the minority. The rest of us do suffer from an occasional uneasiness of mind. Many things can distract us until we lose focus on the mercy and grace of God to help deliver us from whatever is messing us up. Once all a person can think about is their problem, they have diminished their own strength, which is found in continually relying on the Word of the Lord.

Being flawed Christians with imperfect faith, we will inevitably experience anxiety. But if we can discipline ourselves to recall all the great saves God has already accomplished on our behalf, we can slowly build on those memories until our confidence is renewed. Consider that God first gave you your body, the breath you breath and the life you live. Would He not sustain a reborn Christian who needs help through the traumas of life? Search your own heart and you will undoubtedly find the knowledge of His great love for you.

Today’s meditation: Be confident in God’s promises and provision.

Memory Verse: “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalms 55:22

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Today's devotion

12/29/2015

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Toni Smothers                 tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com

Commit Your Way to the LORD
Scripture Reading for the day: Matthew 11:20-30

Scripture Quote: Delight yourself also in the LORD and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit you way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalms 37:4-5 (NKJV)

            When we see the beauty of this planet, the lush environment that God created for us to live in, we find it easy to admire God’s majesty and creativity. We are surrounded by God’s glory and feel blessed to be included. But our lives are more than beauty and pleasure. We are meant to overcome trials as God refines and reinforces our faith.

            Realistically, we must expect challenges and difficulties along our paths, but we can also find great comfort and courage in knowing that God has given us His Son Jesus, who saves and befriends us. So, no matter what life throws at us, we can be certain that God will never withhold anything that we need to get through it.

            We who follow God’s decrees will have the kind of faith that pleases God. Our faith also proves His grace within our hearts and lives. When we honor Christ with our faithful thoughts and deeds, we receive God’s provision now, along with His promise of eternity. How overwhelming and wonderful is God’s great love for us!

Today’s meditation: “Always live as God’s holy people should, because God is the one who chose you, and he is holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (CEV)

Memory Verse: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 (ASV)

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Today's devotion

12/28/2015

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Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com

An Attitude of Gratitude
By, Toni Smothers

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)

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Today's devotion

12/27/2015

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Toni Smothers        tasmothers@gmail.com     www.writingforthemaster.com
Emmanuel - God With Us
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Luke 2:5-21

Scripture Quote: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

          Jesus came to us as an infant, born through the power of the Holy Spirit to the Virgin Mary. Joseph, her betrothed, believed when the angel told him that Mary was truly a virgin and that he should take her to be his wife. The faith that Mary and Joseph demonstrated was tremendous.

          Jesus was born in a stable. He was wrapped in bands of material, and was laid where cattle were fed. Shepherds came from all around to see the baby the angels told them had come to be their Savior.

          Jesus had a very poor beginning, yet, because of His life, we have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness - when he sent Jesus to dwell among us, to teach us and show us by His example, how to love in its truest sense.

Today’s meditation: Celebrate Christ’s birth and what His coming has done for believers everywhere!

Memory Verse: “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

12/25/2015

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Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
The Struggle Within Ourselves
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:1-7

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

12/25/2015

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Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Unkind Judgements
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Mathew 7:1-5

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

12/24/2015

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Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Thank God We Are His Sheep
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Psalms 23:1-6

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

12/23/2015

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Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Spiritual Warfare
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:11-20

Scripture Quote: Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)

Every Christian is under attack from Satan's deceptions, so we must remain steadfast in our faith. We can choose to begin each day with the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit. With spiritual protection, we can wear our faith like a shield that circles around and enfolds us. Praying God's Word back to Him, can slice through any of Satan's schemes and temporarily expose him to the light, which he hates. Satan knows God's Word too, and he fears it's truth.

Our enemy is cunning - He waits for us to be caught off-guard. Remember though, God will not allow the enemy’s attack to overcome the strength he gives you. As the trial comes, he will provide you with His sufficient grace. If we are praying in the Spirit, we will be given wisdom to discern his deceptions.

Pray for strength for yourself and for other believers you may know. Be especially diligent in praying for your leaders, so that they may continue to teach truth as they guide all of the Lord's people. Above all, stand firm against the different plans, schemes and lies of the devil. Stand firm in your salvation, using the full armor of God, and the forces of evil will flee from you.

Today’s meditation: God’s protection is invincible.

Memory Verse: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

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