Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

Daily devotion

12/31/2019

Forgiveness And Renewal

Scripture Reading for the day: Psalms 51:10-17
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Scripture Quote: “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalms 40:1–2 (NIV)

To create means to start from scratch where there is nothing, and from that nothing, bring something into being. Our hearts are sometimes very black and void of goodness. We lose sight of the things we believe. We act out of anger, or fear, or pride. We need God's touch as we plead to be something better than we are. Only God's divine power can restore love in a fearful or angry heart.

Some versions of the bible say, "renew a right spirit within me." Others say, "a steadfast spirit." They both mean the kind of spirit that is upright, sincere and constant. We all want to be the child of God who has a willingness to yield to that which is good. But, we also all share that inherent bent toward disobedience. We want to do things our way. So, again and again, we yield to temptation and find ourselves begging for forgiveness and cleansing. In His mercy, he allows us to repent. We start fresh, with God's blessing. No matter what we've done, His faithfulness to us never wavers.

Today’s meditation: We serve an awesome God who is always willing to forgive.

Memory Verse: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalms 18:2 (NIV)

Daily devotion

12/30/2019

Backslider

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-24
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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)

Daily devotion

12/27/2019

Avoid Immorality

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)

Daily devotion

12/26/2019

Attitude of Repentance

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-4
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Scripture Quote: “And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:9-10 (NIV)

In larger cities, there are a number of destitute homeless. Many of these impoverished people suffer from variouos forms of mental illness, who often shout out weird remarks or talk to themselves, while they are mostly ignored and left to roam the streets. Anyway, it is quite unlikely that those who encounter these street people, take them seriously - Anymore seriously than we would today take the likes of John the Baptist, living his unconventional, locust-eating lifestyle, walking the streets shouting out his warnings to "repent!"

John’s ministry was that of preparing his people through repentance for the coming Messiah. Our current Pastors proclaim more than a formal repentance, but also an attitude, a way of living that bears fruit. Repenting of our sin keeps it from controling us, which will enable God free reign. But sometimes it seems that we don't take sin as seriously as we should – That’s foolish and dangerous. God does not desire that anyone be lost to Him, but sin won’t ever be tolerated.

Today’s meditation: Repent – God’s Kingdom is at hand!

Memory Verse: Mat 3:12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Daily devotion

12/24/2019

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)

Daily devotion

12/23/2019

Ask As A Child
Scripture Reading: Luke 11: 9-13
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Scripture Quote: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Mat 7:7-8 (NIV)

When children pray, they never hesitate to ask God for whatever they want. They are too young to filter their requests as adults often do. They are not concerned with asking within reasonable limits, nor do they try to appear unselfish in their requests. Children are open and honest when they pray. Maybe that is why the bible tells us to come to God as little children.

So when you pray, reveal your heart, realizing your own inability to provide what it is that you need. Ask with humble confidence because God is ever disposed to give mercy to His children. And when you sometimes must wait on God, persist relentlessly as a child would do, until God grants you answers. Remember, though, that His answer is not necessarily always going to be the one you were hoping for. But be assured that He will always do what is best for you.

Jesus said that if you remain in Him and His words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Give it a try and see if the Father isn’t happy to be that involved with your true heart’s desires.

Today’s meditation: Ask, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Memory Verse: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 (NIV)

Daily devotion

12/20/2019

Are You Ready?

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
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Scripture Quote: “And they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:38 (NIV)

In front of the United Nations building in N.Y.C., there’s a sculpture of a guy beating a sword into a plow point, with an inscription below from Isaiah 2:4, "They shall beat their swords into plowshares." The UN was formed with high hopes of creating a judging body that would usher in world peace. Oh, but we are still light years away from a world where humanity lives in harmony. Isaiah's vision and the founders of the UN's ultimate goal are very similar, but their source is radically different. The UN believes in human rationality and goodwill. Trusting in humanity is foolish since we know the depths of people's selfishness and contempt for controls.

A peaceable world will be achieved only through an act of God. Isaiah said that God would judge between nations. Our conflicts are a result of people judging from our very limited, biased perspective, but peace and harmony will someday flow through God's totally unlimited supply. We need to be prepared for His coming judgment - There won't be any party preparations or heavenly circulars issuing words of warning. Believers must deliberately seek Christ's righteousness each day - He is our only source and only hope.

Today’s meditation: We are quickly approaching God’s judgement.

Memory Verse: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mat 24:36 (NIV)

Daily devotion

12/19/2019

Anxiety
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Mathew 6:25-34
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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

Daily devotion

12/18/2019

Anger

Scripture Reading: John 3:13-16
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Scripture Quote: "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Genesis 4:6-7 (ESV)

Jesus’ anger with the money changers was justified. What about the kind of anger you and I deal with? God told Cain that he could make a better offering, which would be accepted. There wasn't any just reason for Cain's anger. It was simply a matter of his own pride that made Cain mad and jealous that his brother, Abel, did bring an offering that pleased God more than his.

Injured pride and jealousy frequently hold hands with anger. As always, we can decide between hostility and calm reasoning. Will we do our worst, murder our brother, like Cain, or will we accept rebuff, stop a minute to retrace our steps and see why we started to lose our temper? Most of us have faced this dilemma. As long as we coddle our hurt feelings, enjoying indignation in preference to grace, we lose. We can, however, push on past that dark and stubborn passion to a changed heart? We can decide to reject our own base instincts and endure whatever sting that may bring, so that we may remain safely in the harmony of God's peace and love. Just ask yourself, "What could possibly be worth giving up the unfathomable peace of God?

Today’s meditation: Let the joy of the Lord reign in your heart.

Memory Verse: “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” Psalms 37:8 (ESV)

Daily devotion

12/17/2019

An Attitude of Gratitude

Scripture Reading for the day: Micah 7:13-20
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Scripture Quote: “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalms 40:1b-2 (NIV)

Since the day we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we no longer fear eternal separation from God. He lives inside us now through His indwelling Spirit. It was for our benefit that Jesus suffered tremendous anguish, so that when we call to God for help, He hears and He cares. We are miraculously transformed by the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins.
Are we now able to purposely sin and still be covered by Christ’s blood? Absolutely not! This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Jesus is an atoning sacrifice for all the sins of those who believe in Him, but we now must deliberately turn from all evil.
God’s love for us compels us to a higher standard of living. Gratitude is the appropriate response to what He has accomplished in our lives, despite our prideful wills. Thankfulness fills our days with His peace and joy.

Today’s meditation: Be appreciative for God’s precious gift of eternal life.

Memory Verse: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1John 4:10 (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 5 pound, furry, Chihuahua muse, “Princess 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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