Toni Writing for The Master - Daily Devotional

Daily devotion

12/11/2019

Abide in Him

Scripture Reading: Psalms 91:1-16
click here to read the scripture

Scripture Quote: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” Psalms 27:5 (NIV)

God is our refuge and our security. There are tremendous blessings awaiting our faithfulness. If we put all our trust and love in Him, there is no limit to His protection and affection. Believers are privileged to enter the very Spirit of God, where by the blood of Jesus, we are safe from the evil one. Deeply rooted faith shows us how important it is to abide in Him. There can be no fence-sitting when it comes to our allegiance to our God. We must be all-out-crazy-in-love with Jesus.

Satan can only prey on the vulnerable. Since we are bound to live in this decadent world, we need a reliable plan to keep us free from worldly temptation’s influence. Yet, we are called to be salt and light to the world and to reach out to the unsaved with the good news of the gospel. Knowing God's Word is imperative to our success. His truth teaches His directives and promises that cover solutions for all circumstances. God's Word will be invariably fulfilled to those who trust in Him. To quote my pastor, “Read the book!”

Today’s meditation: He who lives nearest to God suffers least from temptation.

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)

Daily devotion

12/10/2019

A Kingdom of Children

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:25-30
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Scripture Quote: Whoever, then, will make himself as low as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 (BBE)

What parents most want from their children, besides their love, is their obedience, so that we can teach them how to be safe and content. Though discipline may be in order sometimes when they do naughty things, our hearts forgive them just as soon as they say, "sorry." If obedience is important to us as parents, how much more so is it important for us to learn to be obedient to God in preparation for eternity? For us to live in relationship with God, we must be obedient and dependent, both of which goes against our prideful egos.

Only God can forgive us of pride and cleanse us - Only Jesus' sacrificial death is what makes it possible. If we take our focus off Jesus, sin in the form of disobedience is always standing by to claim us. We can study the bible every day, and that's certainly a good thing, but just facing one act of obedience that God wants us to take in a certain situation can bring instantaneous enlightenment and spiritual growth. The key to relationship with God is incremental obedience, until His ways permeate our spirits and we can draw ever closer to His love. Humble obedience is what God wants and deserves.

Today’s meditation: Obey God in the thing He shows you.

Memory Verse: Truly I say to you, whoever does not put himself under the kingdom of God like a little child, will not come into it at all. Mark 10:15 (BBE)

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Daily devotion

12/9/2019

A Divided House

Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:22-30
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Scripture Quote: Mar 3:23-24 Jesus told the people to gather around him. Then he spoke to them in riddles and said: How can Satan force himself out? A nation whose people fight each other won't last very long.

Jesus was accused by the scribes to be using power from the prince of devils to heal a man who had been possessed by demons. Jesus stated the obvious in His reply to them. The welfare of any kingdom, group or family, depends on its agreement. Satan would naturally want his followers not to fight among themselves, thereby securing his uncontested dominion over them. So Satan would not deliberately allow his kingdom to be divided against itself. Jesus further pointed out that He could not be in league with Satan, who's kingdom Jesus constantly opposes and whose destruction is His ultimate goal.

It’s amazing to think that all of the kind and merciful things that Jesus did could not dissuade those obstinately determined to disbelieve. Jesus gave everyone ample proof or His omniscience and performed many miracles to demonstrate His great power. Jesus told the Pharisees that when He forced out demons by the power of God's Spirit, it proved that God's kingdom had already come to them. God forbid that coming to His own today, His own will still not receive Him - He was, His is, and He ever will always be, Almighty God!

Today’s meditation: Agree with your brother and believe God’s truth.

Memory Verse: So if Satan fights against himself, that will be the end of him. Mark 3:26 (CEV)

Daily devotion

12/6/2019

We Are Saved Saints
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (All scripture is from MSG)
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Scripture Quote: Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.
(2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

The Bible tells us that we are the branch and Christ is the vine. We derive all our nourishment and support from Jesus. Additionally, the branch cannot produce fruit without the vine. We are completely dependent on our Savior to live out our Christian lives. As we abide in Christ, we are sustained by His fullness and share a small portion of His glory. We have literally changed and have become a new creation. Everything about us, our views and feelings, become new.

Satan would have us remember our past faults and rebellious attitudes so that we never really grasp our new status as children of God, who are joint heirs with Jesus. We are forgiven and renewed, while Satan is still stuck in his same old role of tempter and deceiver. Satan wants us to see ourselves as sinners who can never escape our propensity to fail, but God says we are saved saints, who sometimes sin – Praise God, there is an eternity of difference between the two!

Today’s meditation: Faith in Jesus changes everything about our lives.

Memory Verse: Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7)

Daily devotion

12/5/2019

We Are Predestined
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
`click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29 NIV)

Isn't it great that the Gentiles were brought into fellowship with the Jews and that it was God’s plan all along? God has always had you and me in mind, even from the beginning of the creation. We were always meant for the salvation of our precious Jesus. God had us Gentiles as much in the contemplation of his mercy and goodness as he had the Jews and He always wanted us included in His plans. God dispensed the blessings of the Gospel so that we might all learn to be holy and without blame before Him. God still wants us all to love each other as He loves us.

Without any Mosaic rite, Gentiles were admitted to all the privileges of God's church and His eternal purposes. It's incredible to try to grasp that before the foundation of the world, God predetermined that we would be His own. We did not have any special goodness or merit in us - God calls His children according to the good pleasure of His benevolent will. He has pardoned the sins of all of us who have turned to Him with repentance and true faith. We will all be gathered into glory one day with our wonderful God. Praise Him with grateful hearts!

Today’s meditation: God has predetermined our calling and we are His.

Memory Verse: And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:30 NIV)

Daily devotion

12/4/2019

We Are Not “Holier Than Thou”
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Romans 7:18-22
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Scripture Quote: Gal 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

With few exceptions, both simple and brilliant people possess some level of discernment. Nevertheless, some think very little about God. We see ample opportunities to realize the existence of our Creator. Even so, the nonbeliever describes our world’s mysteries to be examples of their god, who is called, nature. It puzzles the Christian to imagine a brilliant mind upholding such nonsense.

However - They see Christians, the supposed ambassadors of faith in God, who still struggle with being egotistical, prideful and self-reliant. Sin chases after us our whole lives and unless we are rooted in Christ, sin can overwhelm us. As it is, sin still subtlety tricks us. Jesus’ friend and dedicated apostle, Paul, led so many to faith, but desperately struggled with sin. This age old turmoil plagues each of us as well. So, how will we lead another to faith? It's the old boulder in the eye theory: We cannot lead others to the Father if we ourselves show the unbeliever an inability to understand the latent sin in us all. In other words, we are none of us better than another. You never want an unbeliever to look at you and see hypocrisy. You are not holier, but privileged, so walk in grateful humility.

Today’s Meditation: There but through the grace of God, go I.

Memory Verse: “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)

Daily devotion

12/3/2019

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: John 15:5-11
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Christians know that they are accountable to God's Law. We can't conform to the world's view of a fulfilled life through material gain and the worship of personal comfort and gratification of the lustful desires of their hearts. Instead, we are to fashion our lives after Christ's example, which leads us to find pleasure in more morale and substantial practices. We feel a strong aversion to the low standards of this world and do not wish to follow its vain pleasures.

We are new creatures in Christ Jesus and because of that transformation, God's will has become our dominate motivation. Our renewed minds gave us a disposition to obey Him and a capability to understand His precepts. The precious occasions when we walk solely in His will, we can see the appropriateness and beauty of His commands. Though we wander from Him entirely too often, His grace draws us back to appreciate our need for humility, repentance and awe of His great love for us. Our God rescued us from this world's ways. We are able to embrace the incredible thing He has done in our lives. Because once we were lost and now we are saved - Praise God!

Today’s meditation: Offer yourself to God’s will for your life.

Memory Verse: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Daily devotion

12/2/2019

We Are Never Powerless
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:12-18
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: My loved ones, I make this request with all my heart, that, as those for whom this world is a strange country, you will keep yourselves from the desires of the flesh which make war against the soul; 1 Peter 2:11 (BBE)

When our flesh tells us we are powerless to do what we know we ought to do, we can choose to bring that inner battle to a screeching halt - We can call on Jesus and find that our will and our conscience is already in agreement with Him. The strongest power at our disposal is Christ in us. The excellence, compassion and desire to be a blessing to others is the love in us which is from Jesus. That love is more perfect than anything belonging or originating from us. His power is the source of guidance and joy that teaches us gently, with grace and patience, how to use His power to conform our flesh to God's will.

Sin is a perverse disposition which entered into man at the Fall. The Bible tells us that it is God that works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure. If we have complete, unshaken faith in our redemption through the blood of Christ, then our natural choices are less likely to do battle with what we know we ought to do - When our will is God's will, all inner conflict ceases and our choices for good are as natural and harmonious as breathing.

Today’s meditation: Turn to God at first draw of fleshly desire.

Memory Verse: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)

Daily devotion

11/29/2019

We Are Never Alone
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: John 14:19-27

Scripture Quote: Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. (John 14:16 CEV)

Most people suffer periods of feeling isolated, even within their family or in a group of friends. Humanity is wired to need companionship that is unique only to the Holy Spirit – That’s the way God made us and that need for a missing something can't be satisfied by the company of others. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles just as Jesus promised. Jesus told them that after His death and resurrection He would send them a Comforter. His disciples, even his future followers, are beloved children of God and are never fatherless and are never alone in this world. Our comforter, God's precious Spirit, is our advocate, teacher and beloved guide for all of our lives.

In In addition to His presence, the influence of the Holy Spirit enables us to give an accurate depiction of Christ's life and death and a recollection of the particular verses in His Word that help us express His Gospel message to those who haven't heard about the precious gift of salvation. We are Christ's ambassadors, well equipped by His Spirit to offer His great redemption and love to a lost and dying world. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, forever indwelling, equipping, and enabling us to be bold for Jesus. Believers are never alone!

Today’s meditation: We can allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us.

Memory Verse: (John 14:18 CEV) I won't leave you like orphans. I will come back to you.

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Daily devotion

11/27/2019

We Are Chosen
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29 NIV)

Isn't it great that the Gentiles were brought into fellowship with the Jews and that it was God’s plan all along? God has always had you and me in mind, even from the beginning of the creation. We were always meant for the salvation by our precious Jesus. God had us Gentiles as much in the contemplation of his mercy and goodness as he had the Jews and He always wanted us included in His plans. God dispensed the blessings of the Gospel so that we might all learn to be holy and without blame before Him. God still wants us all to love each other as He loves us.

Without any Mosaic rite, Gentiles were admitted to all the privileges of God's church and His eternal purposes. It's incredible to try to grasp that before the foundation of the world, God predetermined that we would be His own. We did not have any special goodness or merit in us - God calls His children according to the good pleasure of His benevolent will. He has pardoned the sins of all of us who have turned to Him with repentance and true faith. We will all be gathered into glory one day with our wonderful God. Praise Him with grateful hearts!

Today’s meditation: God has predetermined our calling and we are His.

Memory Verse: And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:30 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

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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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