Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

Today's devotion

6/30/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Love
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:36-40
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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

Today's devotion

6/29/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Know God’s Word
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16
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Scripture Quote: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Our bibles can lay around our homes collecting dust, or be worn out from dispensing life lessons and wisdom. Some of us profess faith in God but barely read His Word. Others can spout verse after verse from memory, but they are unkind and judgmental once they leave church. True believers will cherish the Word as if it were spun out of pure gold because it is the most valuable resource for abundant life.

The words in the bible are inspired by God and lay open the true nature and feelings of the soul. His truth is dispersed by means of parables and prophesies - There are true, often breath taking stories, as well as straight forward commands. Nothing common to man is omitted from its pages. Real people, who have made terrible mistakes, are generously featured within the bible – They are there to show us that they struggled and stumbled just like we do. Its truth has answers for each of us, if only we would diligently seek them out. Its power will awaken our consciences and lay bare the secret feelings of our hearts. Great changes for the better in the moral world have been caused by the power of truth found in Almighty God’s Word.

Today’s meditation: Make serious study of the bible a priority.

Memory Verse: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)

Today's devotion

6/28/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Helping Others
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:35-40
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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)

Today;s devotion

6/27/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Fulfillment of God’s Holy Law
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-15
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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)

Today's devotion

6/26/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Christ’s Indwelling Spirit
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Revelations 2:9-11
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Scripture Quote: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

Life certainly has its ups and downs. Some of us know what it is like to be ill and seek healing, or maybe we are broke and the mortgage is due. Many of the hardships in life have taught us valuable lessons - Others still confuse us. Whatever the circumstance was, however, we can recall how powerfully the grace of Jesus supported us through it. By His mercy we are enabled to face down all our trials. By the power of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, we are strengthened.

God knows everything that we have ever suffered. There are times when we intimately know and feel His help. Other times, we may have Lost sight of the depth of His love and support for us. When we allow the obstacle we face to overwhelm us, stealing our certainty in Christ's mercy, we flounder and fall, receiving the full force of the trial’s consequence. So, it comes down to one unwavering truth: God is our rock and our shield and a very present companion who extends His great arm of mercy as needed in the lives of His followers. We can stand steadfast on our Heavenly Father's promise to never leave us or forsake us.

Today’s meditation: Contentment survives any circumstance.

Memory Verse: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalms 4:8 (NIV)

Today's devotion

6/19/2017

You can read in the archives the rest of the week at Toni's website

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Brag On Jesus
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:21-25
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Scripture Quote: Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 NIV

We live in a sinful world which continually draws many people away from God. The goodness of God that has manifested so often in each of our lives, gives us good reason to be steadfast in our loyalty to God. Even when trials and trouble come to us, we can rest in the knowledge that we belong to God, which means that our outcome is guaranteed.

Are we grateful for all the blessings that we have received from God's provision? Do we give God the worship he deserves? Or do we spend more time stumbling off the narrow path, only to be put right again by God's hand of mercy? We children of the most high God can understand the allure of the world on the unsaved because it often tempts the saved as well. Let us truly imitate the heart of our perfect Savior by feeling the grief over the lost that He most certainly does. Our great God wishes that none be forever doomed to eternal separation from Him. We can use our intimate knowledge of our Savior to offer grace to the lost and we can speak up for Jesus and plant seeds in their hearts that might lead to their eventual redemption.

Today’s meditation: Do we truly care for the lost?

Memory Verse: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2Peter 3:9 NIV

Today's devotion

6/16/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Avoid Immorality
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
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Scripture Quote: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

Christians have a perfect example of holy living in Jesus. He led a pure life even though he was tempted as we are. Granted, it is difficult to keep oneself in check all the time, but striving to imitate Jesus will make the matter a lot less difficult. We can invite the Holy Spirit to control our thinking and refresh our commitment to the ways of the Lord, which will increase our knowledge of what does and what does not please God.

Devotion to Jesus enables us to be free from inappropriate appetites and passions connected with self-gratification. We can choose not to allow anything into our lives that might lead us away from purity of mind and soul. When we consider the Gospel to be the light in our lives, we invite truth to shine its spotlight on our thoughts and actions. Walking in the light of truth will enrich our lives far better than walking in the darkness of sin.

Today’s meditation: Study the Bible and let its truth be your guide.

Memory Verse: “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14 (NIV)

Today's devotion

6/14/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com

The Danger of Wealth Without Charity
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-31
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Scripture Quote: "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘you are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.” Job 31:24-28 (NIV)

The account of the rich man tells us he was an uncharitable man who was unmoved by another's torment. He lived out his life in the ease and comfort that wealth can provide a person - Lazarus, not so much. Since the rich man was without mercy and the love of God was not present in his heart, he had no place in heaven after his death. But Lazarus was escorted into paradise to live forever with God.

Financial status is irrelevant - We can give cheerfully towards the welfare of those in need from whatever resources we have. The compassion we show others demonstrates God to them. We need to conform in our hearts to the spirit and mind of Christ. We who know the Lord and bear His fruit in this lifetime, will stand victorious with all the saints in heaven after our death.

Today’s meditation: Look for opportunities to share.

Memory Verse: "But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’” Luke 16:25 (NIV)

Today's devotion

6/13/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com

 Thank God We Are His Sheep
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Psalms 23:1-6
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Scripture Quote: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Believers are like a flock of sheep under the direction of our God, who condescends to be called the Shepherd of His people. We lack nothing under His provision because He has all power in heaven and earth. Our God knows our needs and His Grace leads us in the way we should go. He protects us from our enemies just like a shepherd keeps his flock from being injured or killed by ravenous predators. If any of us stray from His path, He brings us back and gives us green pastures that are tranquil and always safe to rest upon.

As the sun gives earth power to revolve, Jesus, the Son, enables us through His power. We can walk in a godly manner, while illuminating His attributes through us, to a lost world. And even in the darkest valley, He sustains us against evil. His majesty is our comfort and assurance in the face of our enemies. God never leaves His true followers because one day He wants us to dwell with Him in glory.

Today’s meditation: Sheep aren’t terribly bright – For this reason, the shepherd stays close by to keep them safe.

Memory Verse: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Mathew 11:28 (NIV)

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Daily Devotion

6/12/2017

Staying Free of Sin
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Psalms 32:1-5
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Scripture Quote: “Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.: Jeremiah 2:19 (NIV)

It is a futile effort to look for or expect happiness while the power of sin is carelessly integrated into our daily lives, with its guilt unpardoned and its impurity not purged away. Sin can creep into our lives because it is so easy to forget the need for diligence. If sin is left unchecked for too long, we can become hardened and unwilling to humble ourselves by confessing our sinfulness to our God. Our souls can become despondent under bondage to all the wrong things. Before we know it, we have allowed the world’s overwhelmingly evil power to entrench itself within, causing only unhappiness. We are then not much different from the lost.

However, it is never too late for a repentant heart to confess sin thoroughly and sincerely. When we cease any attempt to cover-up or make excuse for our offenses, our heavenly Father forgives. God wants to melt any hardness of heart and free us from the burden sin brings. Confession causes us to move closer to God as we experience his forgiveness. We can always be confident in the mercy of the Lord.

Today’s meditation: Recognize those things that tempt you and confess them immediately to God.

Memory Verse: "Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Romans 4:7 (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 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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