Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

Today's devotion

2/29/2016

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

Being Your Best

Scripture Reading for the day: Galatians 1:11-17

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Scripture Quote: “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone and not in another.” Galatians 6:4 (NKJV)

            Paul warned the people not to compare themselves to any one else. Each of us is a unique person because God made us this way. He didn’t want everyone to be alike. God is the author of variety and his creation abounds with numerous breeds of animals, types of plants as well as types of people. We need to be responsible for our own actions and follow the path that God has specifically planned for us.

            When you came to the Lord, Jesus with confession and repentance in your heart, and believed that he could cleanse you of your sin, you became a new creature – Now you must live like it. Don’t worry about what your neighbor has or does, but look to the Lord for your lead. He will always take you into joy and fulfillment and stay continually by your side wherever you are in your life right now, just yield yourself unconditionally to God and He can make your life a thing of beauty and a demonstration of His glory to all.

Meditation for the day: If you want the perfect plan that God has for your life, you will have to go by way of Calvary to get it.” Billy Graham

Memory Verse:  “So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Galatians 5:1

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Today's devotion

2/27/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Quiet Time with God
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-6

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Scripture Quote: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Are we steering our life according to God's ground rules and throwing aside everything that might lead us off course? It's not always easy to stay in God's will, unless we keep Him uppermost in our minds. There is plenty in this crazy world to steer us in the wrong direction. The key is to spend quiet time with God and ask Him what areas we are weakest in, so we can be ready when the busyness part of life tries to lure us away. Recognize the many little things that really aren't all that necessary, but seem to devour large chunks of your day and begin to delete them.

We don't ever deliberately want to move away from our heavenly Father. However, slowly, almost unperceptively, we can drift away from God's perfect plan for our lives. The Bible warns us that sin is always there to tempt us at every turn. Whether it is just being too busy to spend time with God or some equally compelling draw, we must break from it and seek God's use for that time reclaimed. If we can slow down long enough to look back over the course God has taken us on in the past, we may recognize what God is wanting us to do today.

Today’s meditation: We need quiet time together with God.

Memory Verse: “Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

2/26/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com ww.writingforthemaster.com
Putting Others First
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:9-14

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Scripture Quote: Acts 20:35 (NIV) “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

A generous person, who has plenty, finds joy in opportunities to help another who may have a need. The person with little, however, isn't always joyous over being obliged to live off the bounty of another - It may pain him to receive what the other offers. That might seem strange, but in many cases it is true. So it seems that joy, respect and compassion need to be extended along with the gift, because it really is the pleasure of the giver to help another.

If God has granted you abundance, it seems only natural to use affluence for less than selfish purposes, especially for the benefit of fellow believers and those actively working in the ministry. Being hospitable is a virtue very similar to generosity - Both really means providing for another in distress or need of some kind. The gospel promotes generosity as synonymous with the Christian lifestyle. Remember also that the day may come that your circumstance can change. You might need the charitable help from another. Imagine the humiliation of accepting help from a begrudged donor. Don’t give with a closed fist, but with an open hand of grace.

Today’s meditation: Wrap your gifts joyfully, in kindness and love.

Memory Verse: “Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

2/25/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Perseverance Strengthens Faith
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

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Scripture Quote: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 (NIV)

If situations or circumstances position us into unfair predicaments and trials, which we cannot avoid unless God were to intervene, its best to hang on to the Word and God’s promises. We can always pray for a miracle to deliver us, but that may not work for our ultimate good. If we can endure our trials, while still joyfully worshipping God, He will help us through, rather than out, of our ordeal. We know that nothing is impossible for God, so maybe, after passing the testing of our faith, God could even turn our difficulties to our advantage.

Sometimes it’s necessary that God’s children be afflicted in some way because when we have no trials, we might get increasingly independent of God. Also, when we acquire a certain degree of prosperity, we could rely on all the things our money can buy and begin to value secular gain too much. But as disciples of Christ, we can choose to be happy in our souls, though grievously afflicted in our bodies or our pocketbooks. Believers can never let any kind of persecution injure the love and joy found only in the genuine Church, of which we are each a vital part.

Today’s meditation: Your trials can strengthen your faith.

Memory Verse: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

2/24/2016

Toni Smothers                 tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com
Jealousy & Pride
By, Toni Smothers

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)

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Today's devotion

2/23/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Heaven-Bound?
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-7

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Scripture Quote: “Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.” 2 Chronicles 6:21 (NIV)

Can believers love their lives and ever reach the kingdom of heaven? Every person has a day to day life that includes work, fun, relaxation and hardship. Some days are fuller of work than, say, fun. Vacation time is usually fun and relaxing, with the workload left behind. The success of our children bring us peace, while the death of a family member intense grief. Christians, like most other people, spend the bulk of our time just trying to get it all done. Our carnal mind is constantly competing for the upper hand and diligently drawing us away from our attachment to the Gospel, then filling us with fear of God’s condemnation for not spending more time in it.

None of this brings us closer to heaven, but it does pose a fairly accurate depiction of humanity. We try, but we are never able to live solely for Jesus. Can we still be confident of our place with Him in heaven? It is only hope in Jesus, who has done all the work for us, that will make us fit for heaven. Yes, as a child trusts, so can we and say that the LORD is our strength and our defense. Childlike faith in Him is all that holds the way to heaven open for us.

Today’s meditation: Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Memory Verse: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” Psalms 13:5 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

2/22/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
God’s Purpose for Us
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Joshua 1:6-9

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Scripture Quote: " May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged." 1 Chronicles 22:12-13 (NIV)

Disappointment can make us feel vulnerable and indecisive about what steps we should take to turn bad circumstances around. All believers who follow God’s commands can have boldness to approach God, by the blood of Jesus, to ask for His counsel. God’s children are enlightened by His strength and grace. Our heavenly Father is our rock and our source. We can rely on Him spiritually, no matter our physical circumstances.

Often our disappointment is about plans not working out in the way we wanted. We have hopes of a new direction or a new something else we are sure will make everything better. When our plans don’t happen, we get worried and might even doubt that God has a good purpose for us. But, God’s Word says that He knows everything there is to know about us and His plans for us are always better than our own. We can change nothing - Remember, it’s not ours, but His Will be done. Amen!

Today’s meditation: Trust in God’s good plan for our lives.

Memory Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV

Today's devotion

2/20/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
God’s Holy Spirit
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: John 16:1-11

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Scripture Quote: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples to comfort them after His resurrection. This same Spirit inspired all the writers of the Old and New Testaments. The Holy Spirit reveals to His people God's nature as the Father and as the Son. The Word of God has been breathed into life through God's Holy Spirit and it is alive to believers today, carrying the same authority as Jesus' words during His ministry. When God's Word is read or spoken by a believer with absolute faith, it carries authentic authority and great power to fulfill God’s Will.

Many Christians still fall victim to Satan's persuasions that create doubt and unbelief. When we waver in our faith, God's Word does not produce authority in us. We actually weaken ourselves when we do not stand absolutely firm on the truth and power of God's Word. So, without meaning to, we actually dethrone God in our hearts and minds when we let any unbelief enter into our thoughts. We are told to equip ourselves by following the example of Jesus - He claimed that God's Word is truth. We believe in Jesus, let us also continually search God's Word, as His Spirit fills our ever deepening faith.

Today’s meditation: Practice uncompromising faith.

Memory Verse: “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

2/19/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
God’s Favor On Us
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Genesis 37:17-35

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Scripture Quote: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers." Psalms 1:1-3 (NIV)

Daniel was a teenager when he was taken captive, along with the rest of Judah, but Daniel obeyed God, so God blessed everything that Daniel did. God gave him favor with King Nebuchadnezzar and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs about what food he could choose not to eat. Daniel would eventually rise to counsel to the King because God blessed him for his desire to obey Him.

Joseph was almost killed in a well, sold into slavery to Potiphar and was eventually falsely imprisoned. However, He eventually became the most powerful man next to Pharaoh. His story proves that when God has plans for you, no misfortune can change God’s will. Even though Joseph had many disappointments and could easily have lost hope, He was always saved from a dire fate and elevated in position even after repeated hardship. Believers sometimes expect life to be easy because we love God, but He doesn’t promise us that - His Word says that He won’t leave us, or forsake us, but His will for our lives is supreme.

Today’s meditation: God’s provision and providence will sustain us.

Memory Verse: “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalms 34:8 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

2/18/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Effects of Sin
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Genesis 37 & 39

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Scripture Quote: "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.” Genesis 45:8 (NIV)

Temptation and sinful choices draw people into trouble and can damage relationships, even ruin lives. In Joseph’s story God didn’t let other people’s sin destroy Joseph - God made sure he prospered. But, that doesn’t always happen. We can’t always expect God to bail us out. Joseph did have to go through many trails until, through God’s help, he came out of them victorious. He was a treasured son, a hated brother, a slave, manager of Potiphar’s affairs, a prisoner, and eventually, a great leader.

Joseph first suffered from being tactless with his brothers,(sin)and his father’s favoritism,(sin), which caused his brother’s murderous jealousy,(sin). His servitude as a captured slave was exemplary so God blessed him with a great position. But then Potiphar’s wife, Zuleika, lusted after Joseph,(sin). He refused her and ended up unjustly imprisioned because of her lies,(sin). Except for bragging as a young man, all of Joseph’s perdicaments where the result of other people’s sinfulness. It’s like the ramifications of the sinfulness of Adam and Eve. Sin stains everything around it. As Christians, we must avoid temptations, of course, but we also need to avoid others that are living in sin.

Today’s meditation: Sin builds like a snowball – Stay out of it’s way.

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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