Toni Writing for The Master - Daily Devotional

Daily devotion

4/19/2019

Know God’s Word

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Our bibles can lay around our homes collecting dust or be worn out from dispensing life lessons and wisdom. Some of us profess faith in God but barely read His Word. Others can spout verse after verse from memory, but they are unkind and judgmental once they leave the church. True believers will cherish the Word as if it were spun out of pure gold because it is the most valuable resource for an abundant life.

The words in the bible are inspired by God and lay open the true nature and feelings of the soul. His truth is dispersed by means of parables and prophesies - There are true, often breathtaking stories, as well as straight forward commands. Nothing common to man is omitted from its pages. Real people, who have made terrible mistakes, are generously featured within the bible – They are there to show us that they struggled and stumbled just like we do. Its truth has answers for each of us, if only we would diligently seek them out. Its power will awaken our consciences and lay bare the secret feelings of our hearts. Great changes for the better in the moral world have been caused by the power of truth found in Almighty God’s Word.

Today’s meditation: Make a serious study of the Bible a priority.

Memory Verse: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)

Daily devotion

4/18/2019

Justified by Faith

Scripture Reading: Mathew 5:3-11
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 18:13-14 (NIV)

Are we Christians, (myself included), vain, empty people with shallow brains and hearts? Whenever the Bible points us inward, it is a very touchy, scary place to venture. Who among us can visit the Beatitudes, for example, without experiencing sharp conviction of our brokenness? Yet we are called blessed. Christ in us is what reconciles us to God, but by ourselves, well, it's not pretty, is it? We are guilty of committing outrages against each other as a result of pride and indignation. Who among us consistently loves the Lord above all else – And our brother as ourselves? I submit that there is not one among us. Let’s face it, we are utterly unworthy to appear before God.

We must continually implore God's grace, which alone can redeem us from our sins, and then give thanks for the mercies we receive. As repentant worshippers, Jesus condescends to inhabit our very soul with His protection, as He holds us up for the Father's favor. We are so unworthy and so very blessed!

Today’s meditation: We can only be justified by faith in Christ.

Memory Verse: Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Gal 2:16a (NIV)

Daily devotion

4/17/2019

Judging Others
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. (Romans 14:10 NIV)

The Word directs us how to behave in reference to the wrong doing of others. We are not to act like the Pharisees, who were very rigid and severe - They condemned others and were proud and conceited. We should judge ourselves and our own acts, but we are not entitled to judge anyone else. Our judgment is usually uncharitable, unmerciful, with a spirit of revenge and a desire to retaliate. We so often justify our anger towards our brother and lack the grace to forgive. Do remember that plank in your own eye.

Wisdom and love prevent discord among people, which should be a believer’s goal. Not every Christian is at the same place spiritually. Some are not easily weaned from the sinful behavior that had once dominated their lives. How can we judge them when we also struggle with our own sinful nature? We are all broken people and should not let hurt feelings or pride make us judge others harshly. We can choose to develop a difference among ourselves that emulates Christ's goodness and mercy towards our neighbor.

Today’s meditation: Leave judgment to God – Show mercy instead.

Memory Verse: There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12 NIV)

Daily devotion

4/16/2019

Joint Heirs With Jesus

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:28-32
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17 (NIV)

All believers that make up the body of the Church and profess true faith in the Gospel, are counted among the called or God's chosen children. We are bestowed with the favor and privilege of being God's people and He designed us to be conformed to the image of His Son. It is remarkable, but true, that God has predestined us to this very high honor and happiness without any input from us. Whatever troubles, or illness, or unfair trials we may need to endure in this world, God uses and arranges them into service - They are made to contribute to the eventual good for us who love God, who are living by faith and love under the guidance of His Holy Spirit.

There is no greater proof of our adoption than the blending of our spirit with the Holy Spirit of our heavenly Father. This is an inexplicable communion with our soul and His Grace. There is no doubt that God has purpose for our lives, now and in the life to come. In those moments of clarity, we understand our destiny as joint heirs with Jesus for all eternity with Him. As we continue to grow toward this destiny, we must share His love with everyone along the way.

Today’s meditation: To commune with God’s Word and Spirit is to understand our purpose in this life.

Memory Verse: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.” Romans 8:16 (NIV)

Daily devotion

4/15/2019

Jesus Manifest in Us

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 9 (NIV)

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 down and disown our defeats, disappointments, anger, resentments and even envy, placing them all at Christ's feet, while we take up His calm, peaceful comfort, is to truly know the intimacy with which we can have with our loving and forgiving Savior. It is during adversity, in particular, that we become completely dependent on Christ for strength and it is during that adversity that we see Him all the more clearly.

Because we firmly believe God’s Word, we can enthusiastically repent of our sins and live according to God's will, having the life of the Son of God manifested within us and His Holy Spirit as close as our own breath - His indwelling is so very extraordinary! His light shines through us, deepening our "knowing" that He lives, even in sinners like us.

Today’s meditation: Keep your soul vigorous to receive God’s best.

Memory Verse: “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:10 (NIV)

Daily devotion

4/12/2019

Jealousy & Pride

Scripture Reading: John 3:13-16
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Genesis 4:6-7 (ESV)

Jesus’ anger with the money changers was justified. What about the kind of anger you and I deal with? God told Cain that he could make a better offering, which would be accepted. There wasn't any just reason for Cain's anger. It was simply a matter of his own pride that made Cain mad and jealous that his brother, Abel, did bring an offering that pleased God more than his.

Injured pride and jealousy frequently hold hands with anger. As always, we can decide between hostility and calm reasoning. Will we do our worst, murder our brother, like Cain, or will we accept rebuff, stop a minute to retrace our steps and see why we started to lose our temper? Most of us have faced this dilemma. As long as we coddle our hurt feelings, enjoying indignation in preference to grace, we lose. We can, however, push on past that dark and stubborn passion to a changed heart? We can decide to reject our own base instincts and endure whatever sting that may bring, so that we may remain safely in the harmony of God's peace and love. Just ask yourself, "What could possibly be worth giving up the unfathomable peace of God?

Today’s meditation: Let the joy of the Lord reign in your heart.

Memory Verse: “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” Psalms 37:8 (ESV)

Daily devotion

4/11/2019

Is Hope For an Afterlife Realistic?
Scripture Reading for the day: John 4:4-29
click to read the scripture

Scripture Quote: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (NIV)

Jesus told the woman from Samaria that he’d give her water that would cause her to never thirst again. We might find what he said a little confusing at first, but, further study explains that the ever thirst quenching water is actually God’s Holy Spirit. It wells up within us when we first believe and accept Christ into our hearts.

The Holy Spirit teaches, comforts and convicts us from that first moment we believed and remains within us throughout our lives. The more we seek to know God's ways, the stronger The Spirit's guidance will be. Conversely, if we should begin to listen more to the flesh, the Spirit’s influence will weaken and we will eventually go off course. The Holy Spirit will never force us to listen to Him. It's up to us to remain in tune with his guidance.

Once we understand all that our Father God has provided for us to live with joy and peace in our everyday lives, we will see clearly that we were created to live with our Lord and Savior, Jesus, now and for eternity.

Today’s meditation: There is no doubt that as soon as we repent, believe and follow Jesus, we are given the gift of eternal life with Him in heaven.

Memory Verse: “But these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31 (NIV)

Daily devotion

4/10/2019

Inseparable Love

Scripture Reading: Revelations 7:14-17

Scripture Quote: “Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death?” Romans 8:35 (CEV)

Sometimes leaning into God's love is the only thing we have the strength to do - That communion and support will never desert us. Real love isn't our love for Him, but it is His great love for us. Before the earth was created, God chose us to be His own - We have such an advantage dealing with trouble. Life is full of trials, there's some for you, some for me, some for everyone, even the spiritually indifferent. Hardship and sorrow abound for every person that lives and breathes. But it is the response to our difficulties that testifies to our deep conviction in the love of God.

Consider the persecutions and tribulations that befell Christ's followers during the time Jesus lived and even more so after His death. A follower's faith was grounds for brutal punishment, imprisonment and even death. Today we have radical Muslims beheading those Christians that will not deny who they are and what they believe. We may face that kind of tyranny someday too, but even fear of death won’t steal our relationship to God through Christ. We are His and He is ours; nothing, especially not death, can take that away.

Today’s meditation: Even life’s worst cannot steal God’s love from us.

Memory Verse: "I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future," Romans 8:38 (CEV)click here to read the scripture

daily devotion

4/9/2019

Inseparable Love

Scripture Reading: Revelations 7:14-17
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death?” Romans 8:35 (CEV)

Sometimes leaning into God's love is the only thing we have the strength to do - That communion and support will never desert us. Real love isn't our love for Him, but it is His great love for us. Before the earth was created, God chose us to be His own - We have such an advantage dealing with trouble. Life is full of trials, there's some for you, some for me, some for everyone, even the spiritually indifferent. Hardship and sorrow abound for every person that lives and breathes. But it is the response to our difficulties that testifies to our deep conviction in the love of God.

Consider the persecutions and tribulations that befell Christ's followers during the time Jesus lived and even more so after His death. A follower's faith was grounds for brutal punishment, imprisonment and even death. Today we have radical Muslims beheading those Christians that will not deny who they are and what they believe. We may face that kind of tyranny some day too, but even fear of death won’t steal our relationship to God through Christ. We are His and He is ours; nothing, especially not death, can take that away.

Today’s meditation: Even life’s worst cannot steal God’s love from us.

Memory Verse: "I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future," Romans 8:38 (CEV)

Daily devotion

4/8/2019

Indwelling Spirit

Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:13-19

click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NIV)

Christian, desire total integration, body, soul and spirit, with God's Holy Spirit, which is often referred to as clean or flowing water. Don't misunderstand, I know that we are born again believers who have been baptized in the Spirit of Christ. He lives within us and the bounty of that is inexplicable. His Spirit is the power behind our faith and trust in Him. He does it all for us, if we only believe the size of a mustard seed.

The more we surrender our wills to God, the more He fills us with love, joy, peace and all the fruit of His Spirit. It's a true mystery how we could ever sin against so good a God and so loving a Savior. We were bought by Christ's own blood - Ponder the pain and total submission of our beloved Jesus. There is no greater, more precious love than that of our Father, God. Only through His continued indwelling can we learn to leave the path of sin to walk the narrow way with Him.

Today’s meditation: Realize how blessed you are.

Memory Verse: “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4 (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

Learn how to share your FAITH

Share your Faith

Plant based food restaurant

Author

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 5 pound, furry, Chihuahua muse, “Princess 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.

Archives

February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014

Categories