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Today's devotion

3/10/2017

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                                   tasmothers@gmail.com                www.writingforthemaster.com
Keeping Our Spirits Yielded
 Toni Smothers
 
When we quietly seek God, He'll be there in no time, His Spirit prodding us to quit dabbling in sin and to purify our inner lives. He wants us to choose to finally get off the fence and keep our decision to follow Him firm. Anytime, we can chose to humble ourselves and get serious about following Christ's example. We can seek His guidance and He will always help - Sometimes by miracles, sometimes by ordinary people or events that bless us in unexpected ways and bring us just what we need. (James 4:8-9) In retrospect, we can often see how God was working in our lives while we were clueless and discouraged at the time. We all struggle, fall and can feel defeated. It's the hope we have in Christ that sustains us. There is not one of us better than the other because we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
 
Believers must not bad-mouth each other. We are all in the same world, struggling to lead godly lives. It's God's Word and crucial Gospel Message that takes a beating in that kind of talk. We are called to honor the Message, not write graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do we think we are to meddle in the destiny of others? (James 4:11-12) It would be good to admit our fault-finding and judgements of others as the sin it is so that we can ask for God's mercy to help us stop it. We have to deliberately choose God's Law over man's. Since God selected us to live on His terms and no longer on the world's terms, we can expect to find difficulty on our paths. But as we lean into the truth, we are refreshed in our spirits. It is imperative that we remember to always seek God's help in all things.

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Today's devotion

3/9/2017

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                                     tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com
Be Prepared
 Toni Smothers
 
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 subtlitly 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."
1Co 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?
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Today's devotion

3/8/2017

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                                      tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com
Love
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:36-40
click to read the scripture 
Scripture Quote: (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . . 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)
 
God commands that we love Him and one another in all circumstances. So, do you wake up shinning with love, or are you a bit groggy and grumpy? Maybe you are a “morning person.” So you hug your spouse and kids, maybe pet your dog. It’s easy to love your family. Still, have you never spoken a rude or cruel word to any of them?
 
Love satisfies us and can make us feel supremely complete. But speeding through our day, we can often throw love in the back seat while charging through the list of things we must do before we can stop long enough to realize that love is missing.  That's why we were short with the lady at the cleaners. We saw some friends on the street but were too rushed to pause for any interaction, other than a smile and quick wave. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Hmmm - And where was God in your hectic day? Just saying, maybe we need to give this love thing some serious thought.
 
Today’s meditation: To love is a decision to obey God.
 
Memory Verse:  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

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March 07th, 2017

3/7/2017

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 tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com
Write His Word On Your Heart
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: James 1:21-25
 
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)
 
Sin can begin as a small, almost imperceptible thing. Then we focus a bit more attention toward it. We slip into mental indulgence, which further develops into stronger desire. Losing our footing from God's Way, we begin to delight in this desire and inevitably this ungodly thought process leads to sinful action. Does that sound kind of like over the top drama? But, it’s not. That's just what Satan wants us to think – That we are reasoning like religious fanatics, spewing that fire and brimstone. He says there's no harm in wondering about things in the world - After all, we can't hide away like scared rabbits. Right? Well, we really can't do the rabbit thing, because as cozy-easy as that may sound, we do need to function and live in this world.
 
So, deny seductive whispers and remember that we are no longer slaves to sin. We can always still choose it, but luckily we have one terrific guide book to teach us how to avoid sin and its consequences. Our help comes from the Lord and He always shows us the right path.
 
Today’s meditation: God’s ways lead to truth and joy.
 
Memory Verse: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”  Psalms 119:105 (NIV)
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Today's devotion

3/7/2017

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tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com
Helping Others
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:35-40 
 click to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV)

Scripture tells us that whatever kindness we do is accepted by the Lord as a jesture of kindness toward Him. The person we help is the person He loves. And it really is individual – Jesus loves each of us as if we were the only one. It gives our Savior joy to watch us love each other, encourage each other and share our blessings and gifts with each other. The is the family of God in a nutshell.
 
Can you imagine what our churches would be like if we dispensed tender affection at the entrance and a willingness to connect with and endure trails with our Christian siblings? Now imagine that love flowing out our doors into our communities. If we could offer loving commitment to the unsaved in place of judgement, would Christianity look very different to them? It's really true to realize that there is not one of us in a position to throw stones at any other. We are all inept and impure without the cleansing work of Jesus. So, give that love away. Give it to the lovely and give it to the unlovely. Jesus accepts and helps everyone who realizes that they need Him. So should we.
 
Today’s meditation: To give, to help, to care ... is to love.
 
Memory Verse: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…” John 15:12 (ESV)

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Today's devotion

3/6/2017

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​tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com
Fulfillment of God’s Holy Law
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-15
 click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:17-18 (NIV)
 
The standard of God’s Holy Law is impeccable. It demands holiness, love and perfection, which is the character of God. We could never rise to those standards. But Jesus fulfilled every bit of the law by His life and death. The truth is that Jesus came to fulfill the law and thank God that He did because our very best efforts towards holiness, are like filthy rags in comparison to God’s Holy standards.
 
Jesus showed us what it meant to live out the heavenly standards of God, by always doing what pleased the Father. Because the Law’s penalty of sin is death, Jesus also fulfilled that requirement. He lovingly died at the hands of brutes. He was a substitutionary sacrifice in place of us, the sinners that He loves. The Lord Jesus wants to live in and through the lives of His believers, as we continually put our faith in Him.  Jesus fulfilled the Law, defeated death and rose victorious. He is now with the Father forever. Because He lives, we also will live.
 
Today’s meditation: Jesus fulfilled the law for us.
 
Memory Verse: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:4 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

3/3/2017

0 Comments

 
                                  tasmothers@gmail.com        www.writingforthemaster.com
Helping Others
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:35-40 
click to read the scripture 
Scripture Quote: “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV)

Scripture tells us that whatever kindness we do is accepted by the Lord as a jesture of kindness toward Him. The person we help is the person He loves. And it really is individual – Jesus loves each of us as if we were the only one. It gives our Savior joy to watch us love each other, encourage each other and share our blessings and gifts with each other. The is the family of God in a nutshell.
 
Can you imagine what our churches would be like if we dispensed tender affection at the entrance and a willingness to connect with and endure trails with our Christian siblings? Now imagine that love flowing out our doors into our communities. If we could offer loving commitment to the unsaved in place of judgement, would Christianity look very different to them? It's really true to realize that there is not one of us in a position to throw stones at any other. We are all inept and impure without the cleansing work of Jesus. So, give that love away. Give it to the lovely and give it to the unlovely. Jesus accepts and helps everyone who realizes that they need Him. So should we.
 
Today’s meditation: To give, to help, to care ... is to love.
 
Memory Verse: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…” John 15:12 (ESV)


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TODAY'S DEVOTION

3/2/2017

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                      tasmothers@gmail.com                www.writingforthemaster.com
 
Backslider
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-24
 click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote:  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7 (NIV)
 
During the prodigal son’s era, a person who worked at feeding pigs was considered to be employed in the vilest of all occupations - Jews were particularly contemptuous of swine-herdsman. In Egypt they were not permitted to mingle with civil society or have any matrimonial opportunity. Purely because of their occupation and association with pigs, they were considered to be shameful sinners.
 
Today, a desperate drug addict given up to all kinds of evil, who might steal, or even murder if it gained him his next fix, could be compared to the debased swine-herdsman. These kinds of people are shunned by a law abiding society.
 
Who among us would esteem a murderous drug addict, or choose him as an acceptable candidate to marry one of our kids? Yet, which of us would not be heartbroken to have one of our own children fall into such a despicable lifestyle? And just like the father of the prodigal son, it's a good guess that we would also be elated at our child's reversal and return to us. God, the author of the greatest parental love in existence, is also tremendously joyful over the child who turns away from their sin toward His merciful forgiveness.
 
Today’s meditation: Sin’s deception destroys, but God’s truth restores.
 

Memory Verse: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
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Today's devotion

3/1/2017

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                                    tasmothers@gmail.com             www.writingforthemaster.com
 
Anxiety
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Mathew 6:25-34
 click here to read the scripture
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
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    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 10 pound, furry, Morky muse, '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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