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Work is Good
By, Toni Smothers
 
We can take God’s Word to heart and make it a priority to teach our children about what the Bible has to say about humanity’s need to work hard. When it comes to getting things out of life, Job 24:5 has a good take on the subject. “Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness yields food for them and for their children.” Those who choose to eat must work.
Even our Heavenly Father worked for six days straight, in order to create what He wanted. “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” (Genesis 2:2)
Adam and Eve blew their leisurely paradise by disobedience. The first consequence after their shame was a pronouncement of hard labor and toil. And to Adam, He said, “Because you have listened and given heed to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, saying, you shall not eat of it, the ground is under a curse because of you; in sorrow and toil {hard work} shall you eat [of the fruits] of it all the days of your life.” Gen 3:17
Another example in the Word can be found in Genesis where it tells about Jacob. He found out first hand that labor is required in payment for that which we desire. He worked seven years for his beloved Rachel and even after that, was tricked into an additional seven years because he was given Leah instead of Rachel first. (Gen 29:15-27)
Unfortunately, many of the younger generation have proclaimed an entitlement for themselves that simply is not realistic or godly. Work is our lot in life, whether we are young or old, very wise, or simply learning, we do so under the burden of our labor. It is our responsibility to train our children in God’s Ways - As parents, we can entrust them with the value of a good work ethic. Truth in love is always a good gift.
 

                                 tasmothers@gmail.com                  www.writingforthemaster.com
Righteous Judgement

​By, Toni Smothers
 
God knows men’s hearts, ”No one had to tell him, (Jesus), what people were like. He already knew.” (John 2:25) People, however, seem to learn slowly and painfully about our broken humanity’s capability toward depravity. We can’t accept that certain human behavior is possible until it becomes personal and we must. We must also realize that we will never be able to fathom the thoughts within another’s heart - No one can know what anyone else is really thinking except that person alone. So, instead of attempting to assign motives or blame, we are told in the Word to judge others by their fruit or actions. “Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. You can tell what they are by what they do. No one picks grapes or figs from thorn bushes. A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. Every tree that produces bad fruit will be chopped down and burned. You can tell who the false prophets are by their deeds.” (Matthew 7 15-20)
 
We must beware of false people who are disguised as friends. We can detect them by the way they act, just as we can identify a tree by its fruit. Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced. Still, all judgment is not necessarily sinful. Jesus both forbid one kind of judgment and approved another type of judgment. In John 7:24 Jesus says, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Righteous judgment would certainly have to be based on spiritual discernment, which would utilize prayer and petition for help from God for wisdom.
 
In 2 John 1:9-11, we can get a pretty clear picture of righteous judgment. “Don't keep changing what you were taught about Christ, or else God will no longer be with you. But if you hold firmly to what you were taught, both the Father and the Son will be with you. If people won't agree to this teaching, don't welcome them into your home or even greet them. Greeting them is the same as taking part in their evil deeds.”
 
What it really comes down to is, whatever you are trying to evaluate must glorify God and adhere to the principles set forth in the Bible to be of value. Otherwise, detach yourself, because God’s word is the standard for all judgment - By using the Word and knowing the pertinent facts, we are judging with righteous judgment.
 

                                      tasmothers@gmail.com                www.writingforthemaster.com
Living Our Faith

By, Toni Smothers
 
Being a consistent Christian can be challenging. We go along feeling pretty good about our walk with the Lord while things run smoothly, but something can suddenly happen that causes us to lose our temper, or to fall short in some other way, and then we realize we are not very good at living the Christian life after all.
The first step to being a Christian is to confess our sins to Christ and turn our lives over to Him each day. We can choose to commit our lives without reserve to Jesus and ask Him to help us walk with Him. When we slip up, we can turn our thoughts to Him and pray immediately for forgiveness. Realize that we can't become a better Christian on our own, or in our own strength. We always need God's help and the resources He has provided to help us grow stronger. In ourselves, we are weak - but when we seek God's help, we discover that the Bible's promise is true: "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him" (2 Peter 1:3). It doesn’t matter how many times in a day we must ask Him for pardon because Christ washes the repentant sinner clean throughout that person’s life. Of course, there must be true repentance. We may not repeatedly sin with the idea that God will forgive us later.

Just as we need food to keep us strong physically, so we need spiritual food. God has given us His Word, the Bible, to feed on. We can make the Bible part of our spiritual diet every day, both by studying it on our own and by hearing others teach it. Job said, "I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread" (Job 23:12). Also, God has provided us, through His Spirit, a sensitivity to sinfulness as we respond to His conviction. As our sensitivity increases, we are made stronger.

Between the privilege of prayer and the nurture of fellowship with other believers, we grow incrementally. Prayer connects us with God; fellowship connects us with other Believers. Through these means, God will encourage us and help us to sin less and less. God will never give up on any of us, so don’t give up on yourself. The Christian life is a process into maturity - Enjoy the journey.

                                     tasmothers@gmail.com                www.writingforthemaster.com
Hope Floats Eternal

 Toni Smothers
 
Unless Christ was raised to life, your faith is useless and you are still living in your sins. But Christ has been raised to life. We can be certain that other Believers will also be raised to life. Adam caused the punishment of death to all mankind, Christ will bring eternal life to all of us who believe and trust in Him. Christ will rule and all His enemies will be overcome and destroyed under His power until He destroys even death. Once everything is under Christ's power, He will put Himself under the power of God, who put everything under His Son's power. Then our God will mean everything to everyone, as it should have been from the beginning. (1 Cor 15:17-28)
 
We are so blessed to have been chosen to follow Christ. Our life in heaven has been secured for us by Christ's sacrificial death. Living a life in total gratitude for what Christ has accomplished for us seems natural and appropriate. Our highest priority is to serve Jesus during our lives on earth and share Him with anyone we encounter who is unaware of His message of truth and love. We don't need to be great evangelists. We simply need to share our experiences with His interaction in our lives. We tell what we know to be true and we leave the rest of the process of discovering Christ's love to Christ.
 

                              tasmothers@gmail.com                www.writingforthemaster.com

God’s Promises

By, Toni Smothers
 
There are literally hundreds of promises in the Bible. How can we know which promises apply to us, which promises we can confidently claim? To frame this question another way, how can one tell the difference between general promises and specific promises? A general promise is one that is given by the Holy Spirit to every believer in every age. When the author penned the promise, he set no limitations on time or recipient.

An example of a general promise is 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This promise is based on the forgiving nature of God and is available to all believers everywhere. Another example of a general promise is Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This promise is made to all believers who, refusing to worry, bring their requests to God (v. 8). Other examples of general promises include Psalm 1:3; 27:10; 31:24; John 4:13-14 (note the word “whoever”); and Revelation 3:20.

A specific promise is one that is made to specific individuals on certain occasions. The context of the promise will usually make clear who the recipient is. For example, the promise of 1 Kings 9:5 is very specific: “I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.” The preceding and following verses make it clear that the Lord is speaking only to King Solomon.

Luke 2:35 contains another specific promise: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” This prophecy/promise was directed to Mary and was fulfilled in her lifetime. While a specific promise is not made to all believers generally, the Holy Spirit can still use a specific promise to guide or encourage any of His children. For example, the promise of Isaiah 54:10 was written with Israel in mind, but the Holy Spirit has used these words to comfort many Christians today: “my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.”

As he was led to take the gospel to the Gentiles, the apostle Paul claimed the promise of Isaiah: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47). Isaiah’s promise was originally meant for the Messiah, but in it Paul found guidance from the Lord for his own life. When claiming a promise from Scripture, we should keep the following principles in mind: Promises are often conditional. Look for the word “if” in the context. Additionally, God gives us promises to help us better submit to His will and trust Him. We must also understand that a promise does not make God bend to our will, however. And finally, do not assume to know precisely when, where, or how the promise will be fulfilled in your life. There will always remain a certain mystery in God’s Will.

​   tasmothers@gmail.com                                                          www.writingforthemaster.com
 
Be An Overcomer
 
Scripture Reading for the day:  I Corinthians 16:15-18


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Scripture Quote: “for there is a wide open door for a great work here, and many people are responding. But there are many who oppose me.” I Corinthians 16:9 (NASB)
 
            God constantly gives us opportunities to move ahead in life. He is always with us, patiently waiting for us to grow closer and learn more. But whenever we move closer to God, there is always increased opposition from the enemy. God longs for us to reach our full potential and overcome the many temptations and obstacles Satan slams us with. He wants us to be overcomers.
 
            When you step out in faith and the opposition comes, stand firm – Then, as you can, press on toward the goal. We must remember that Jesus is with us and that He is our source of strength. The price we pay now is nothing compared to the treasures that await us in heaven. Trust what God has promised all who love Him and obey His commandments.
 
Meditation for the day: “I learned that life is not just a destination but a journey. While the expedition can be long and arduous, it can be full of beauty and pleasure as well.” Wayne Holmes in, ‘The Heart of a Father’
 
Memory Verse: “but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.” I Thessalonians 2:2 (NASB)

​   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

​  Toni@Smothers.us         www.SmothersVariety.com     
 
Blessed Wealth
 
Scripture Reading for the day:  Ruth 2


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Scripture Quote: “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you.” I Corinthians 1:26 (NLT)
 
            No amount of money can replace, purchase or bypass Christ’s work on the cross. If it could, only the wealthy could buy their way into eternity – God forbid! No, those who cling tightly to their acquired wealth, store it up in vain.
 
            In Ruth’s story, we see a wealthy man, Boaz, who understands his responsibility to the poor. Ruth humbled herself by following the harvesters and picking up any left over grain she could find. This act of Ruth’s, called gleaning, was set up by Israelite law as a means of providing for the poor who were willing to humble themselves and also willing to work. The rich owners of the field were grateful for all the wealth they had accumulated from their grain and rather than hoard it all, they shared with those less fortunate. Their ability to share made them blessed.
 
Meditation for today: It is always wonderful to see people with a good deal of money spread it around by giving to others in need. Their wealth is truly blessed when they know its source and they have a joyful heart full of gratitude that is demonstrated in generosity.
 
Memory Verse: “And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7 (NLT)

tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com
 

Commit Your Way to the LORD

Scripture Reading for the day:  Matthew 11:20-30

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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)

Memory Verse: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does." Psalms 145:13 (NIV)
 

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Highway to Heaven

Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
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Scripture Quote: "The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Psalms 145:14-16 (NIV)
 
Isaiah's poem in today’s scripture reading pictures the desert blossoming into glorious life. He could easily be describing the effect on God's people who receive a total change through His touch. Where the favor of God rests, hearts are blessed beyond expectations - Our dreariest dry spell will become like spring-fed lakes.  God will never disappoint. Hearts that have been touched by God's Spirit will lose all fear. If we find ourselves going through some dessert experience like sickness, loneliness, poverty or a wavering faith, etc., we must trust that our God will provide a way out.
 
There’s nothing that can ultimately hurt us once we are walking with God. Our Father frees us from all deceit and oppression of this world. He takes the darkness from our lives and gives us redemption and a great hope for the future - Believers are redeemed and all the rest just doesn’t matter. Whether we suffer through a thing for a short or even a long time, our destiny is set. We will be with Jesus and there will be no more trials, only joy. Christ is the "Highway to Heaven."
 
Today’s meditation:
 
Memory Verse: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does." Psalms 145:13 (NIV)

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