Toni Writing for The Master - Daily Devotional

Daily devotion

6/19/2018

Be Reborn and Live
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Psalms 139:12-17
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Scripture Quote: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:3,5 NIV)

Jesus was despised by many of the religious Jewish scribes who desperately feared His radical teachings - They felt threatened by Christ's profession of love for one’s enemies. They were angered when Jesus spoke boldly about repentance and forgiveness of sins, which were things only animal sacrifice and the involvement of the scribes could accomplish. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry and performed miracles that proved His divinity, but the Jewish leaders were more interested in preserving their own status.

Jesus spoke of a loving God who wanted to heal and restore humanity to fellowship with Him. Because the people flocked to Jesus, the scribes became violently adamant about plotting His demise. Jesus knew that His life’s purpose was to become a sacrificial offering for the sins of His people. His message was repentance, forgiveness of sins for all who would believe in Him and His great love for them. His resurrection was proof of His divinity and is our hope that we will one day be with Him in paradise.

Today’s meditation: We must be reborn into God’s forgiving grace.

Memory Verse: Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24 NIV)

Daily devotion

6/18/2018

Be Proud of Christ
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 26:16-23
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Scripture Quote: Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. (2 Cor 12:7a MSG)

Paul's life prior to his conversion would have been one of power and self-sufficiency. If anyone would have been prone toward pride, it would have been a man like Paul. God used Paul mightily for the Gospel message. Because God knew Paul's character, He used some sort of physical handicap to balance Paul's abilities, so that he would spread Christ's teaching as a humble man. God kept Paul humble so he would be an example to those who sat under his teaching.

The sin of pride, with its subtle pull, lurks constantly around every Christian's heart. If a person was characterized by pride before his salvation, he will be in special danger of it afterward. Almost anyone that is gifted in some way, will tend toward pride over his ability. Satan might captivate him through the innocent flattery of friends, or some other form of affirmation. The only real way we can keep from the danger of this sin is to be constantly aware of the presence of God's Holy Spirit within us, who is the source of our every attribute. If we must be proud of anything, let it be pride in our Savior and all that He has accomplished for us on the cross.

Today’s meditation: Jesus is the only one with bragging rights.

Memory Verse: First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. (Proverbs 16:18 MSG)

Daily devotion

6/15/2018

Be Prepared
Toni Smothers
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What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just think about it - We're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who God is or what He's about. But, that's exactly who we are - Children of God. And that's only the beginning. Who knows how we'll end up. What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him, and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own. (1 John 3:1-3)

There are many false teachers who want to confuse us by their smooth and plausible arguments. We must beware of their clever knowledge of the Bible, which they subtly pervert to suit their deceptions. That’s why Believers need to study and know God’s Word. We can only stand firm against the enemy if we know what the armor of God is and what is and isn’t true according to God’s standards for our lives. Knowledge is the perfect weapon against sinful temptations. God’s Word makes all things clear to those who truly seek it’s truth. You can be sure that the opposition will know how to trip you up if at all possible.

Co 15:33 But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners."
1 Cor 15:34 Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these. Aren't you embarrassed that you've let this kind of thing go on as long as you have?

Daily devotion

6/14/2018

Be Humble in Spirit
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 66:1-6 (All Scripture quoted is NIV)

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Scripture Quote: You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. (Psalms 51:16-17)

The battles we fight and the quarrels we participate in come from our inner struggles with our flesh. When we take our attention away from living for the Lord, we covet things others have, but we can't get what we want, so we quarrel and fight. However, we do not have what we want because we don't submit our desires to God and accept His decision whether or not what we ask for fits into the plan He has for our lives. If in our disappointment with God's decision, we turn to the world, we are actually joining with the enemies of God.

Finding our way back to the Father requires a humble and contrite heart and a sovereign act of His mercy. Our loving Father is always there to heal our broken spirits and renew our distracted heart. It is true that there is nothing similar to what we find in the love and peace of God - His love is greater than anything this world could possibly offer because He gives us genuine happiness, which will always allude the flesh. Believers belong to God Almighty and He alone can fulfill the desires of our hearts.

Today’s meditation: Rest and peace are found only in our Father God.

Memory Verse: But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." (James 4:6)

Daily devotion

6/13/2018

Be Brave and Speak Out
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12
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Scripture Quote: Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. John 15:20(NIV)

We know that people all over the world are persecuted and killed because of their faith. In our country, Christians are a group that certain factions would stamp out completely, if they could. Our schools have no more prayers offered. Our educators teach that a “big bang” somehow conjured up life, but that Christianity and creationism are synonymous with ignorance. History is gradually being rewritten, diminishing the founding father’s deep dependence on God. Many of this generation’s children are raised with no exposure to Jesus or any firm sense of morality. Christians need to step up and make a difference.

Jesus was tortured and murdered for us, yet we’re afraid to speak about our faith to the person that we know might be unreceptive? Are we truly concerned that we could turn someone away from God with our awkward attempts? Does that even make sense when a person’s eternal destiny is in dire jeopardy! Know that the power of the Holy Spirit can help us to have the courage to be a witness to the Word and to testify about our own salvation - We can trust Him to enable us.

Today’s meditation: Be bold and without excuse - Proclaim the Gospel.

Memory Verse: Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29 (NIV)

Daily devotion

6/12/2018

Be A Blessing

Scripture Reading: John 4:4-23
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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.” John 5:24 (NIV)

To Christians, it seems so obvious that Christ is the long awaited Messiah and that He died for forgiveness of sin in general, and for our individual salvation, in particular. Others may see through foggy vision that there is a God, but only because they marvel at and need to explain the intricacies and complex design of humanity and nature. Believers understand that God is so much more than a remote cause of all things. Our God is Spirit and He is Eternal. He is personally involved with every aspect of our lives.

God delights in those of us who have been made partakers of His Own Divine nature. He has made us His children and our hearts are full of love for Him and His truth. Our prayers and worship bring all our affections, flaws and desires to His throne. We are so privileged to have become joint heirs with Jesus. There are so many people in our personal sphere of influence who are still floundering for meaning in their lives. They live in darkness, only aware of the physical aspects of life, while we possess the knowledge of eternal life. Share what is in your heart with those who don’t yet understand.

Today’s meditation: Everyone needs to know who Jesus is!

Memory Verse: “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." John 4:24 (NIV)

Daily devotion

6/11/2018

Becoming Christ-like
Scripture Reading for the day: Colossians 1:13-22
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Scripture Quote: “For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)

As people filled with light, our actions and attitudes should reflect our faith. We are called to live above reproach morally so that we will reflect God’s goodness to others. Jesus stressed this truth in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:15-16).

We discard our old lives and take on Christ’s mind when we first receive our salvation. Christians evolve daily into better and more Christ-like people. We can not achieve perfection in this lifetime, but we are supposed to seek God’s wisdom and use it to become the person that God planned us to be from the beginning of time. Each of us has a purpose to fulfill according to the Word of God. It is our job to constantly seek to walk into deeper and deeper levels of faith as we try to become more like Christ.

How many of us will fulfill the purpose God has for us? Will we let countless opportunities for growth pass us by because it looks too hard or comes at an inconvenient time, or will we obey our creator and continually seek His ways for our life? We still have free choice. We can just mark time here in this lifetime, or we can become something beautiful that the Father always intended.

Today’s meditation: The more we focus on Jesus, the closer we will be to understanding His will for our lives.

Memory Verse: “giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.” Colossians 1:12

Daily devotion

6/8/2018

Are You Ready?

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
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Scripture Quote: “And they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:38 (NIV)

In front of the United Nations building in N.Y.C. there’s a sculpture of a guy beating a sword into a plow point, with an inscription below from Isaiah 2:4, "they shall beat their swords into plowshares." The UN was formed with high hopes of creating a judging body that would usher in world peace. Oh, but we are still light years away from a world where humanity lives in harmony. Isaiah's vision and the founders of the UN's ultimate goal are very similar, but their source is radically different. The UN believes in human rationality and good will. Trusting in humanity is foolish since we know the depths of people's selfishness and contempt for controls.

A peaceable world will be achieved only through an act of God. Isaiah said that God would judge between nations. Our conflicts are a result of people judging from our very limited, biased perspective, but peace and harmony will someday flow through God's totally unlimited supply. We need to be prepared for His coming judgement - There won't be any party preparations or heavenly circulars issuing words of warning. Believers must deliberately seek Christ's righteousness each day - He is our only source and only hope.

Today’s meditation: We are quickly approaching God’s judgement.

Memory Verse: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mat 24:36 (NIV)

Daily drvotion

6/7/2018

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

Daily devotion

6/6/2018

Anger

Scripture Reading: John 3:13-16
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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)

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 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.

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