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Daily devotion

7/18/2019

Reward and Punishment
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 12:14-24
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Scripture Quote: Since the time of creation, everyone has known that sinful people are happy for only a while. Though their pride and power may reach to the sky, they will disappear like dust, and those who knew them will wonder what happened. They will be forgotten like a dream. Job 20:4-8 (CEV)

A nonbeliever who is weak and lacks self-disciple is foolish and easily angered - He speaks whatever comes into his mind, and is not concerned with the pain he inflicts with his injurious speech. Conversely, this person is easily offended, with little turning into his good. Those who honor evil and cruelty act without judgment and listen to no one. All people are rewarded or punished for what we say and do. The wicked are defeated in death and gone forever into a disastrous eternity, but no one who obeys God will be separated from Him by death or any other evil scheme.

God makes those who study His Word to be gradually changed by it. As we walk in the path of obedience we increase in goodness, and consequently in the favor of the Lord. Christians know that all things work together for good to those who love God and live according to His purposes. Whatever happens in the lives of believers, whether good or bad, God turns it to our advantage and His glory at some point. God's Plan makes His children as secure as a tree with very deep roots.

Today’s meditation: God’s grace gives our lives purpose and security.

Memory Verse: Losing your temper is foolish; ignoring an insult is smart. Proverbs 12:16(CEV)

Daily devotion

7/17/2019

Rejoicing with the Prodigal
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:14-28
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Scripture Quote: But he answered his father, “Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.” Luke 15:29 (NIV)

The prodigal son's brother was envious and void of affection for him. Rather than share in his father's joy, the older brother reacted with anger. He had always been an obedient son who worked his father's fields. He neither requested his inheritance early, nor recklessly squandered it away, so he felt slighted by the exuberant attention bestowed on his delinquent brother. He reminds us of the Pharisees who claimed to be righteous, religious experts. But, they were also filled with jealousy over Jesus’ tremendous popularity with the people.

The father's property had been divided. What remained belonged to the older son. He was heir to it all and had a right to use it any way he chose. Therefore, the older brother had no right to complain. And though we may understand that he was jealous, it was the father's affection and forgiveness that the older brother craved. Christians are all prodigal children who have returned repeatedly to the mercy and forgiveness of our heavenly Father. We are so privileged to be able to repent of our sins and run to Him as often as we fail, with the full assurance that He will receive us.

Today’s meditation: There is always hope for the prodigals among us.

Memory Verse: "'My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” Luke 15:31 (NIV)

Daily devotion

7/16/2019

Refuge in Prayer
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Psalms 142:1-7
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Scripture Quote: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Mat 6:6 (NIV)

When we face frequent troubles and difficult circumstances, it is important to know where we can seek the help we need. God is our refuge and strength and a very present help when we are facing our worst problems.

We can begin our personal conversation with our Creator by expecting that He will listen. The use of impressive language is not what reaches God's heart. He looks for reverence and faith. Total dependence on His goodness is key. God will provide what is needed. He is faithful to strengthen us and help us to get through whatever rough times we are in. He is always with those who abide in Christ because we are God's temple and His spirit dwells in our midst.

God grants us not only what we ask, but even more than we ask. He rewards prayer itself by granting so much more than we can ever ask or think. His ways are just naturally higher than ours and He is the givver of wonderful gifts to those who love Him. Your Father in heaven knows what you need, even before you ask Him, but He does wait for you to ask.

Todays Meditation: Go to God first because He hears and answers prayers.

Memory Verse: “I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you.” Psa 141:1 (NIV)

Daily devotion

7/15/2019

Redemption
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Romans 5:12-21 (All scripture quotes are BBE)
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Scripture Quote: But now, being free from sin, and having been made servants to God, you have your fruit in that which is holy, and the end is eternal life. For the reward of sin is death; but what God freely gives is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.(Rom 6:22-23)

Adam bore the resemblance of Christ, the Messiah, who was to come, because of his actions which effected all of humanity. Through Adam, sin became dispersed through the world and every person who comes into this world already possesses sinful propensities - Also, we have inherited the punishment of death as a result of Adam’s sin. However, through Christ, righteousness was dispersed through the world so that any man may be made a partaker of His grace and truth. Jesus is the light that shines on the narrow path through life and he is the conqueror of death for every Believer.

As Adam brought death and guilt to every person, through Jesus each of us may choose to receive His free gifts of justification, righteousness and redemption. Our hearts become full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is freely given to all who would seek Him. Our hope is then founded on the goodness and truth of God. His love is our motivation for all of our actions, our obedience and our love for Him and for each other. Though we each must die for sin, we will also be raised from death to live again with the Lord.

Today’s meditation: Praise God, we are redeemed!

Memory Verse: For as in Adam death comes to all, so in Christ will all come back to life. (1 Corinthians 15:22)

Daily devotion

7/12/2019

Recognizing Godly Leaders
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:5-8
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Scripture Quote: James 3:17-18 (NIV) But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

There are many preachers who want to draw disciples to themselves for their own glory. Christians should be cautioned against such persons; who God has never called or qualified for the work of teaching the Gospel. They profess to show the way of salvation, who know nothing of that way and are themselves unsaved. Through their insufficiency those who follow them perish for lack of wisdom and truth. They also do damage and bring contempt to the true leaders of the ministry.

The pure Gospel of the Lord Jesus, bought by his blood and infused by his Spirit, is what someone proclaims that is called of God. He is wise with understanding, who leads a godly life of humility. He seeks to serve others without selfish ambition and brings all in his charge to a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus. He quotes God's own Word, continually sowing heavenly seed, which brings about Divine fruit. He teaches others to live peaceably and is rewarded with a peaceful soul and the blessed privilege of bringing many to Christ.

Today’s meditation: A godly man’s life is his calling and his testimony.

Memory Verse: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)

Daily devotion

7/11/2019

Realize Your Election As A Child Of God

Scripture Reading for the day: Ephesians 1: 1-23
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Scripture Quote: “My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God's people.” Ephesians 1:18 (CEV)

   God does not promise us a peaceful and uncomplicated life. He has stood back and allowed the natural consequences of our actions and the actions of others in our life to play out as they will. Free will can be just as much a curse as it can be a blessing. We are not robots automatically following God's dictates. We may and often have chosen to make our own way, without the Holy Spirit's council. We are held accountable in the end.

   The same power that rose Jesus from the dead demands our faithful submission and obedience. We have been given everything – even the choice to turn away from our election. God forbid!

Meditation for the day: It is much better to seek first, (and always), God's wisdom and purpose for our lives – not as robots, but as children of the most high God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

Memory Verse: “ Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. Ephesians 1:4 (CEV)

Daily devotion

7/10/2019

Rationalizing Sin
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 2:1-7
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Scripture Quote: I worship you with all my heart. Don't let me walk away from your commands. I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. Psalms 119:10-12 CEV)

There are different levels of obedience, as any parent can attest. Take the child who knows he has had the allowed number of cookies. When you walk in on him munching all available bits and pieces, he says, "These weren't whole cookies." So technically, he only had a pile of pieces! Is that real obedience? Adults are often not much more obedient to God's Law. A man may consider himself an honest person, even as he takes office supplies from work. He says, "Hey, I put in a lot of extra effort around here. This company owes me." We rationalize our sinfulness and legitimize our behavior until we convince ourselves that, although we are not "perfect," we love God and "try" to do our best.

Obedient Christians do follow the laws of justice, mercy, and truth – We treasure them because God has written them on our hearts. Others understand intellectually but choose to do what seems expedient to them, rather than taking God’s narrow path. We disobey and think that He will understand our vulnerability. However, our Heavenly Father has already sent Jesus to redeem us. So, he who has the Word of God in his heart controls his behavior as a dutiful child obeys a loving parent.

Today’s meditation: God sees ALL your sin – Pray for His help.

Memory Verse: With wisdom, you will learn what is right and honest and fair. (Proverbs 2:9 CEV)

Daily devotion

7/8/2019

Quiet Time with God
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-6
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Scripture Quote: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Are we steering our life according to God's ground rules and throwing aside everything that might lead us off course? It's not always easy to stay in God's will, unless we keep Him uppermost in our minds. There is plenty in this crazy world to steer us in the wrong direction. The key is to spend quiet time with God and ask Him what areas we are weakest in, so we can be ready when the busyness part of life tries to lure us away. Recognize the many little things that really aren't all that necessary, but seem to devour large chunks of your day and begin to delete them.

We don't ever deliberately want to move away from our heavenly Father. However, slowly, almost unperceptively, we can drift away from God's perfect plan for our lives. The Bible warns us that sin is always there to tempt us at every turn. Whether it is just being too busy to spend time with God or some equally compelling draw, we must break from it and seek God's use for that time reclaimed. If we can slow down long enough to look back over the course God has taken us on in the past, we may recognize what God is wanting us to do today.

Today’s meditation: We need quiet time together with God.

Memory Verse: “Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27 (NIV)

Daily devotion

7/5/2019

Putting Others First
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:9-14
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Scripture Quote: Acts 20:35 (NIV) “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

A generous person, who has plenty, finds joy in opportunities to help another who may have a need. The person with little, however, isn't always joyous over being obliged to live off the bounty of another - It may pain him to receive what the other offers. That might seem strange, but in many cases it is true. So it seems that joy, respect, and compassion need to be extended along with the gift because it really is the pleasure of the giver to help another.

If God has granted you abundance, it seems only natural to use affluence for less than selfish purposes, especially for the benefit of fellow believers and those actively working in the ministry. Being hospitable is a virtue very similar to generosity - Both really means providing for another in distress or need of some kind. The gospel promotes generosity as synonymous with the Christian lifestyle. Remember also that the day may come that your circumstance can change. You might need the charitable help from another. Imagine the humiliation of accepting help from a begrudged donor. Don’t give with a closed fist, but with an open hand of grace.

Today’s meditation: Wrap your gifts joyfully, in kindness and love.

Memory Verse: “Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Daily devotion

7/3/2019

Promises for all Generations
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9:14-24
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Scripture Quote: Happy is he whose resting-place is in the secret of the Lord, and under the shade of the wings of the Most High; Psalms 91:1 (NIV)

Christians know that all that is written under God's holy inspiration will most certainly come to pass. God's truth and promise is to the soul what the strongest armor is to the body. We are protected by His Word because there is no stronger power. Evil cannot compete with God's dominion in our hearts and souls. Believers literally belong to the all-sufficient God. We have been granted access that only the high priest was granted under the law, but under the new covenant, all believers in Christ are welcome to enter before God's throne.

God promises perfect companionship if we keep Him uppermost in our heart. He will be with us in trouble and will empower our spirits with courage and love. The Bible presents God’s precepts on a level with the human intellect - His Word is within reach of every human spirit. He has shown us how to live and how to do what is right and pleasing in His sight. Some choose to ignore their need for His book, but why? The Bible enables us to believe, hope and endure all the trials of this life. It helps us to understand obedience and the value of sound judgment. God’s Word teaches us how to live – If we want to know God, we need to learn what is in His Word.

Today’s meditation: The Bible is God’s revelation to you – Read it!

Memory Verse: Who says of the Lord, He is my safe place and my tower of strength: he is my God, in whom is my hope. Psalms 91:2 (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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