Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

TODAY'S DEVOTION

4/30/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Enter Boldly
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:1-10

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Scripture Quote: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." Hebrews 10:15-16 (NIV)

In order for us to be God's people, our iniquity must be pardoned, because God is pure and He hates sin. We call a Believer holy when his heart is conformed, as much as it is possible, to the image of God. And even in that state, man can only hope to have God's forgiveness if he has accepted Christ's sacrificial death as the singular means to his salvation. Christ died once for all and that is the only way by which we are able to approach our perfect Heavenly Father as His own.

Since sin has been pardoned by Christ's blood, there is no need of any more sacrifice for sin, which was previously always to be repeated by the high priests, along with a long list of human requirements that needed to be met in order to temporarily obtain God's forgiveness. By Jesus offering himself once for the forgiveness of all humanity’s sinfulness, he has perfected forever those set aside for God through faith. By the blood of Jesus, Christians can now boldly enter the Most Holy Place and being justified by His blood, we have a right to all the blessings of the eternal kingdom. Oh, how He loves us!

Today’s meditation: God is personally accessible to us.

Memory Verse: For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14 (NIV)
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Today's devotion

4/29/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Spiritual Warfare
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:11-20

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Scripture Quote: Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)

Every Christian is under attack from Satan's deceptions, so we must remain steadfast in our faith. We can choose to begin each day with the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit. With spiritual protection, we can wear our faith like a shield that circles around and enfolds us. Praying God's Word back to Him, can slice through any of Satan's schemes and temporarily expose him to the light, which he hates. Satan knows God's Word too, and he fears it's truth.

Our enemy is cunning - He waits for us to be caught off-guard. Remember though, God will not allow the enemy’s attack to overcome the strength he gives you. As the trial comes, he will provide you with His sufficient grace. If we are praying in the Spirit, we will be given wisdom to discern his deceptions.

Pray for strength for yourself and for other believers you may know. Be especially diligent in praying for your leaders, so that they may continue to teach truth as they guide all of the Lord's people. Above all, stand firm against the different plans, schemes and lies of the devil. Stand firm in your salvation, using the full armor of God, and the forces of evil will flee from you.

Today’s meditation: God’s protection is invincible.

Memory Verse: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

Today's devotion

4/27/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Learn the Word to discern His Voice
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:25-31

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Scripture Quote: “In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.” Acts 14:8-10 (NIV)

Have you ever been led by the Lord to do what you considered impossible? Peter stepped out onto the water immediately after Christ’s command. The lame man stood up and then walked the minute he was told by Paul that by faith he could.

Yet we struggle with issues that aren’t nearly as dramatic. Say you've been verbally mistreated behind your back, by a close friend, for example. You are deeply hurt by the lies told about you. Impossible as it may seem, you know the Lord is guiding you toward reconciliation. He’s telling you to overcome the temptation to retaliate. He wants you to make the first step, offering genuine forgiveness for this offense. You are full of righteous indignation, so Christ’s command to restore peace seems truly unfair, yet the Lord wants you to show His love in the face of the other's meaness. Even though a command from Jesus may seem impossible, it is certain that He will give us the power to accomplish it as we recieve His Word by faith and obey it.

Today’s meditation: Increase your faith through reading His Word.

Memory Verse: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

4/26/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
We Need Not Weep
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-11

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Scripture Quote: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4(NIV)

The account of Christ gone missing from the tomb tells of Mary’s great distress. She goes to tell the disciples what had happened. Peter and John then rush to the tomb to see for themselves. They observed that the grave clothes had been left behind. After that, the disciples simply return home. How could they still not remember that Jesus told them He would be crucified and die, but be resurrected after 3 days?

Do Believers today act like Peter and John did? On Easter, do we rush all decked out in new clothes to a full church - But don't linger long enough to encounter the risen Lord? Mary Magdaline wasn't going to go back home until she had found Jesus. Like Peter and John, do we return home feeling empty? Thankfully, we have the advantage of knowing that faith isn't formed by witnessing an empty tomb, but by seeking out our living Lord. So, now that all the Easter outfits have been displayed and admired, let's shed our burial shroud in preference to the robe of righteousness that Jesus has earned for us.

Today’s meditation: We owe everything to Jesus, our Savior.

Memory Verse: “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’” John 3:5 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

4/23/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Right Relationship
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: John 1:11-18

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Scripture Quote: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Since we have an inadequate or imperfect idea of God, of His holiness, justice and truth, we are constantly yearning for a closer rapport with Him. We also want to be able to give an intelligent explanation to others of our faith in God. Christianity may seem a difficult concept for some because the non-believer looks at our lives with all its inconsistencies and wonders how to make sense of us. We declare our faith in the abiding consciousness of God, but we stumble with worries and failures associated with worldly issues.

The whole of our lives are meant to be absolutely filled by the presence of God. How then can we worry and fret over anything? How do Believers realize that worry is sinful and still remain so controlled by it? When we are able to leave all our concerns at God's feet, we spend our days gratefully oblivious to any worries - That is God's peace that passes our understanding. When we are in right relationship, putting God's Will and plans before our own, it is obvious to observers that an abiding companionship with God means everything to us and though we may be inconsistent, He never is - Simple joy is what our skeptics will observe.

Today’s meditation: Enjoy a worry free, God filled life.

Memory Verse: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalms 32:8 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

4/22/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Our Gradual Transformation
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:3-10

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Scripture Quote: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1 -2 (NIV)

When God needs to illuminate some aspect of human nature apart from Himself, He'll show it to us in ourselves - Once God does that, we know there is no immoral criminal who is anywhere near as bad as we know ourselves to be. While the Word and God's Holy Spirit promise to enlighten us with truth, He doesn't say it will always be pleasant. Helping us to face the rough truth about ourselves is one way God helps us to grow. He will always offer to change us, usually through some difficult act of obedience.

Jesus has prepared a place in heaven and offers Believers abundant life now, even though we so often fail to live up to His example. We need to stay the course, not give up on ourselves, and believe in His transforming power. When we turn from Him and seek our own will, we inevitably find discontentment and disappointment. Jesus is the only way to peace and joy. His power

Today’s meditation: Rest in the knowledge that we belong to Jesus.

Memory Verse: “They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 37:23 (NIV)

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Today's devotion

4/21/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
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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Today's devotion

4/20/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Excuses
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15:1-9

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Scripture Quote: “When the LORD your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!” Deuteronomy 25:19 (NIV)

God entrusted Saul, by way of Samuel, with the fulfilment of God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and everything that belonged to them because of the sneaky attack they made on the Israelite stragglers coming out of Egypt. But Saul’s men desired to keep the best of the livestock, so Saul did not follow God's instructions entirely. Later, when he was trying to make an acceptable excuse for his disobedience, Saul told Samuel that they would sacrifice the animals to God at Gilgal. But which can we expect that God would prefer, burnt offerings or obedience?

Instead of confessing our sin, don't we also try to make an excuse for them sometimes? It is disobedient to rationalize sinful actions. Saul wasn’t truly repentant, so he was deprived of his reign as king. There are always consequences for sin - Making excuses to God, who knows all our true motives already, is pretty ridiculous. Repentance and obedience are required behaviors for followers of Jesus and gain us tremendous peace and joy. God always forgives a repentant sinner.

Today’s meditation: Walk the narrow path without any need for excuses.

Memory Verse: “The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in obedience to him.” Deuteronomy 28:9 (NIV)

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Devotion from The Pocket Testament League

4/19/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Does Christ Offend You?
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:2-11

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Scripture Quote: Therefore, dear friends, since you have been warned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 2 Peter 3:17 (NIV)

When Jesus walked on earth, he offended many people, even including John the Baptist, who pictured a fierier Messiah. Thank God that Jesus still continues to offend us. Christ offended John the Baptist by His gracious dealings with sinners. He rebuked the religious leaders of His day who prized pious rules over extending themselves in love to their fellow sinners. Christ continues to unnerve us today by saying that we must die to self, take up our cross and follow Him.

The rich young ruler was offended by Christ' admonition to sell everything that he had and give it to the poor. The Jews were scandalized by a dying Messiah and the Gentiles were confused by a God who would lay down His powers to descend to the level of humanity - And on and on it goes: many today are offended about Christ's teaching against divorce. In a world where over 60 percent of marriages end in divorce, this is an offensive teaching. Nevertheless, we are Christians and compelled to acknowledge all of God's teaching as infallible. Since we trust in a Savior that actually gave His life's blood to return us to the Father, we can choose not to be offended, but repent and be obedient to his law, resting in His joy and peace.

Today’s meditation: Be offended by evil, but learn from God’s Word.

Memory Verse: Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD. Psalms 4:5 (NIV)

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April 17th, 2016

4/18/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Children of the Living God
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: John 1:6-14

http://www.biblestudytools.com/john/passage/?q=john+1:6-14

Scripture Quote: Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--that is, to those who had faith in his name: John 1:12 (NIV)

John the Baptist, was sent by God from his conception in Sara's womb, with the sole purpose to bear witness to the coming of the Messiah. God often uses plain, or even eccentric people, to speak truth to us in our own lives. John had been sent from God to deliver a message. It was John's strictness and purity of his life and doctrine that made others believe him, even without dramatic miracles, eloquent delivery of his message, or any other kind of tangible proof.

Christ's light doesn't need anyone's testimony, but our current secular society does. Christians can show others the likeness of His light so that they can see Christ through us. Unlike John, who foretold His coming, we already have Christ's light within us. That precious gift is not intended to be selfishly hoarded, but shared with those who are currently asleep in the dark of night. Make a deliberate choice to live your faith out loud, trusting that God will make us sensitive to when we should share Christ and his gospel. Only God can make a heart awaken to His light, but He often uses His children to plant an opportune seed. Be open and depend on God's grace to teach you how to be ready to proclaim His message of eternal salvation.

Today’s meditation: Share His light with the sleeping world.

Memory Verse: From his full measure we have all been given grace on grace. John 1:16 (NIV)

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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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