Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

Today's devotion

7/31/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.comPerseverance 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)

Today's devotion

7/28/2017

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)

Today's devotion

7/27/2017

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

7/26/2017

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)

Today's devotion

7/25/2017

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.

Today's devotion

7/23/2017

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

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:9-17
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Scripture Quote: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Do you, Christian, live under the heavy burden of debt? Do you have a heavily mortgaged home that you fill with things purchased on credit? It sneaks up on a lot of us and before we know it the credit monster keeps adding to our minimum payments until we are scrambling to make ends meet. We don't need to partake of this world's products to the point of overwhelming debt. Is there time left in such a Christian's life to honor God with tithes of service to the body, not to mention his ability to give a tenth of his seriously depleted funds?

If the Holy Spirit dwells in the souls of Christians, then we are called away from common and profane uses. We can become more dedicated to the service of God. We know that God provides. We have had many of our prayers answered as proof of His faithfulness. There is only momentary joy in a new car or other costly toy for our entertainment. Time spent with God's own children in His House of Worship, strengthening and encouraging one another is what we are meant for - God's Word says we are not our own, but we are bought with Christ's blood - Paid for free and clear!

Today’s meditation: Cease the practice of endless self-satisfaction.

Memory Verse: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Today's devotion

7/21/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Testify & Trust
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:5-13
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Scripture Quote: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

Most Christians have come across people that are obstinately resistant to the truth of the Gospel. They seem half asleep, with glazed over eyes, when you try to explain God's salvation plan. It might help to think of these reluctant people as sick, even deathly sick, but who are inexplicably afraid to be cured. They also have a fear of losing whatever they see as the fun in their lives. Our God of mercy and peace will leave them to their fun, though that is not His desire.

The bible says that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which man took and planted in his field. It goes on to say that though the mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, when it grows, it eventually becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. I take that to mean that our mustard seed worth of faith is meant to grow very large and then become a resource for others. It's not up to us to place that spark of faith within another's heart. We need only believe, grow in the knowledge of God and offer testimony to that faith as the Spirit leads us.

Today’s meditation: Speak up, gentle Christian, and share your hope.

Memory Verse: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10 (NIV)

Today's devotion

7/20/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Take Heed
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:10-18
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Scripture Quote: "But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly." 2 Peter 3:5-7 (NIV)

The ancient Bible’s sense of urgency about sinfulness was the same urgency we feel today. We suffer from war, disinterest in community, narcissism, and immorality. God's Word helps us understand the pressing failures of a previous generation that so closely resembles our own.

The Gospel of Jesus is pure and holy and requires a holy heart and holy life. Many people wish to follow their own desires and want nothing to do with the restraints of the Gospel, so they insist that the Bible is simply untrue. Maybe they are trying to convince themselves that it’s a forgery, which then gives them free reign to ignore God's truth. They shut their eyes against the light and refuse all evidence of eventual consequence for a stiff necked people who have ignored God's warnings. God destroyed all but Noah's family once, whether non-believers get that or not. Our God is mighty to save, but also mighty to destroy - Make sure you are on the right side.

Today’s meditation: Believe all of God’s Word.

Memory Verse: “Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalms 86:11 (NIV)

Today's devotion

7/18/2017

tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Our Loving Advocate
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:12-17
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Scripture Quote: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1 (ESV)

Holiness and happiness are inseparable, just as sin and misery go together. Of course that's easy enough to understand intellectually, yet our lives sweep past all manner of sin and immoral secular standards. It takes deliberate prayer and hunger for the things that the bible tells us matter most. We all mess up. God says, "sin not," and we say, "sure thing," and then slip right on that same old banana. Whether through ignorance or inexperience, or when temptation grabs us off guard, we all fall down. While the whole Scripture tells us not to live so as to promote our own misery, we step off the inevitable plank and suddenly know that we need someone to throw us the lifesaver before we drown in the swelling waves of our own sinfulness.

We have Jesus, our advocate with the Father, who is seated before the throne and who died for our offenses and rose for our justification. He is there for us interceding. He suffered, though He was innocent, so that he could bring us to God's merciful forgiveness. So even if you sometimes think yourself deplorable and hopeless, remember how wonderful and protective your Savior is and never despair.

Today’s meditation: We always have hope in Jesus.

Memory Verse: “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:6 (ESV)

Today's devotion

7/18/2017

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

Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:13-19
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Scripture Quote: “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NIV)

Christian, desire total integration, body, soul and spirit, with God's Holy Spirit, which is often referred to as clean or flowing water. Don't misunderstand, I know that we are born again believers who have been baptized in the Spirit of Christ. He lives within us and the bounty of that is inexplicable. His Spirit is the power behind our faith and trust in Him. He does it all for us, if we only believe the size of a mustard seed.

The more we surrender our wills to God, the more He fills us with love, joy, peace and all the fruit of His Spirit. It's a true mystery how we could ever sin against so good a God and so loving a Savior. We were bought by Christ's own blood - Ponder the pain and total submission of our beloved Jesus. There is no greater, more precious love than that of our Father, God. Only through His continued indwelling can we learn to leave the path of sin to walk the narrow way with Him.

Today’s meditation: Realize how blessed you are.

Memory Verse: “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4 (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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