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DAIY DEVOTION

10/1/2022

Acceptance and Obedience

By Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-9

Scripture Quote: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29 (NIV)

All Believers are called to be the visible Church and are entitled to all the privileges of the children of God, once we believe the Gospel. Believers of Christ are blessed with the continual watchful care of God and the salvation and inheritance promised by the Father that He guards for us. We are kept in fortified places within the Holy Spirit, who comforts us and helps us endure our hardships until we are united with Christ forever in our resurrected bodies. All that is involved with being called by God is a gift, but it does also rely on our acceptance of it and our obedience to it.

Think of Christ's obedience to His calling as Messiah - Through beatings, shameful jeers, rocks thrown, yet willingly He was nailed to a cross. Imagine the torturous pain he endured out of obedience to the Will of God. He could have silenced that crowd and refused those nails. He could have turned that vicious group on themselves, if He had just let his situation prevail over obedience - He had the power to stop His abuse, but He also had the power to choose the greatest love this world has ever known. He chose to be the very intentional Savior of all who would understand His sacrifice and believe.

Today’s meditation: Because He lives, we also live – Forever!

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:4 (NIV) “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,”

DAILY DEVOTION

9/30/2022

Abide in Him

BY TONI SMOTHERS

Scripture Reading: Psalms 91:1-16

Scripture Quote: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” Psalms 27:5 (NIV)

God is our refuge and our security. There are tremendous blessings awaiting our faithfulness. If we put all our trust and love in Him, there is no limit to His protection and affection. Believers are privileged to enter the very Spirit of God, where by the blood of Jesus, we are safe from the evil one. Deeply rooted faith shows us how important it is to abide in Him. There can be no fence-sitting when it comes to our allegiance to our God. We must be all-out-crazy-in-love with Jesus.

Satan can only prey on the vulnerable. Since we are bound to live in this decadent world, we need a reliable plan to keep us free from worldly temptation’s influence. Yet, we are called to be salt and light to the world and to reach out to the unsaved with the good news of the gospel. Knowing God's Word is imperative to our success. His truth teaches His directives and promises that cover solutions for all circumstances. God's Word will be invariably fulfilled to those who trust in Him. To quote my pastor, “Read the book!”

Today’s meditation: He who lives nearest to God suffers least from temptation.

Memory Verse: “The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

9/29/2022

A Kingdom of Children

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:25-30

Scripture Quote: Whoever, then, will make himself as low as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 (BBE)

What parents most want from their children, besides their love, is their obedience, so that we can teach them how to be safe and content. Though discipline may be in order sometimes when they do naughty things, our hearts forgive them just as soon as they say, "sorry." If obedience is important to us as parents, how much more so is it important for us to learn to be obedient to God in preparation for eternity? For us to live in relationship with God, we must be obedient and dependent, both of which goes against our prideful egos.

Only God can forgive us of pride and cleanse us - Only Jesus' sacrificial death is what makes it possible. If we take our focus off Jesus, sin in the form of disobedience is always standing by to claim us. We can study the bible every day, and that's certainly a good thing, but just facing one act of obedience that God wants us to take in a certain situation can bring instantaneous enlightenment and spiritual growth. The key to relationship with God is incremental obedience, until His ways permeate our spirits and we can draw ever closer to His love. Humble obedience is what God wants and deserves.

Today’s meditation: Obey God in the thing He shows you.

Memory Verse: Truly I say to you, whoever does not put himself under the kingdom of God like a little child, will not come into it at all. Mark 10:15 (BBE)

DAILY DEVOTION

9/28/2022

A Divided House
BY TONI SMOTHERS
Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:22-30

Scripture Quote: Mar 3:23-24 Jesus told the people to gather around him. Then he spoke to them in riddles and said: How can Satan force himself out? A nation whose people fight each other won't last very long.

Jesus was accused by the scribes to be using power from the prince of devils to heal a man who had been possessed by demons. Jesus stated the obvious in His reply to them. The welfare of any kingdom, group or family, depends on its agreement. Satan would naturally want his followers not to fight among themselves, thereby securing his uncontested dominion over them. So Satan would not deliberately allow his kingdom to be divided against itself. Jesus further pointed out that He could not be in league with Satan, who's kingdom Jesus constantly opposes and whose destruction is His ultimate goal.

It’s amazing to think that all of the kind and merciful things that Jesus did could not dissuade those obstinately determined to disbelieve. Jesus gave everyone ample proof or His omniscience and performed many miracles to demonstrate His great power. Jesus told the Pharisees that when He forced out demons by the power of God's Spirit, it proved that God's kingdom had already come to them. God forbid that coming to His own today, His own will still not receive Him - He was, His is, and He ever will always be, Almighty God!

Today’s meditation: Agree with your brother and believe God’s truth.

Memory Verse: So if Satan fights against himself, that will be the end of him. Mark 3:26 (CEV)

DAILY DEVOTION

9/27/2022

Yes, Lord, But…
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:15-24

Scripture Quote: Luke 9:61-62 (NIV) "Still another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"

Often fear of ridicule or some dire outcome has kept a Believer’s inhibitions in check. We can say that we choose to follow God but doing the actual following can sometimes get tricky. It’s like Paul’s confession about choosing one thing but doing another. We are only human and we can mistakenly cling to the wrong things. God can tell us to do something that seems to go against our common sense and we can easily rationalize that we surely could not have understood.

Taking leaps of faith might be easier if we were sure that it’s God’s voice we hear. We can become confused if we actually hear God, or if we are just following our own inner voice. Then our “but” is more, “but is this really God’s Will, instead of, “I will follow God, but.” It might be best to remember that confusion is Satan’s great deception. We must not fall victim to anything that draws us away from our certainty in God. If we are to be of use in God’s Kingdom, we need to be willing to risk everything and leap away from our common sense and uncertainty into trusting God’s plans and purposes, however unfamiliar or scary.

Today’s meditation: Jump into action when God’s Spirit speaks to you.

Memory Verse: John 1:11 (NIV) "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him."

DAILY DEVOTION

9/26/2022

Write His Word On Your Heart
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: James 1:21-25

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)

Sin can begin as a small, almost imperceptible thing. Then we focus a bit more attention toward it. We slip into mental indulgence, which further develops into stronger desire. Losing our footing from God's Way, we begin to delight in this desire and inevitably this ungodly thought process leads to sinful action. Does that sound kind of like over the top drama? But, it’s not. That's just what Satan wants us to think – That we are reasoning like religious fanatics, spewing that fire and brimstone. He says there's no harm in wondering about things in the world - After all, we can't hide away like scared rabbits. Right? Well, we really can't do the rabbit thing, because as cozy-easy as that may sound, we do need to function and live in this world.

So, deny seductive whispers and remember that we are no longer slaves to sin. We can always still choose it, but luckily we have one terrific guide book to teach us how to avoid sin and its consequences. Our help comes from the Lord and He always shows us the right path.

Today’s meditation: God’s ways lead to truth and joy.

Memory Verse: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalms 119:105 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

9/23/2022

Wisdom
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Scripture Quote: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23-24 (NIV)

The way everlasting, or the way that is right in our own eyes could be not quite so right in God's estimation. When Christians ask God to show them offensive behaviors that they are unaware of, it can be pretty uncomfortable to face those weaknesses. Nevertheless, we will grow in wisdom as a result. The distinguishing mark of a wise person is their continued pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It seems that our culture values data more than understanding and expects immediate insight by way of all the great experts available to them by way of the great big internet.

The Christian who cherishes wisdom is already wiser than “the experts” because he will always continue to seek additional understanding from God's Word, as well as wise council in prayer. The more we comprehend, the more we realize how much more there is to learn and the less we will want to rely on faulty personal judgements. No matter how wise a person becomes, his or her wisdom remains wholly dependent on Divine Insight. Formally or informally educated, Christians who ponder, observe, and ask God for insight, will begin to see their own faults and understand their need to constantly seek God's enlightenment.

Today’s meditation: We shouldn’t overestimate our own cleverness.

Memory Verse: Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD. Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

9/22/2022

When Your Future May Seem Uncertain
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Matthew 6:31-33
Matthew 6:31-33English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK)

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Scripture Quote: My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:13-14 (ESV)

Sometimes, when your future is feeling ambiguous and you are afraid because you don’t know what to do next, faith in God can waver. During those times, it’s easy to forget that God does understand how uncertain your life seems. But our Father God knows your needs at all times. It is during these stressful periods that you must cling to the truth in His Word. The bible tells us in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

So stay in His Word. Direct your thoughts to hearing His voice through the verses you read. Satan would whisper lies to you so that your fear builds and consumes your thoughts. But there is peace and rest in God’s Word. Your direction can be found in the bible because He speaks to us when we earnestly seek out His wisdom and truth.

Today’s meditation: God is always near.
Memory Verse: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11(ESV)

DAILY DEVOTION

9/21/2022

What Would Jesus Say?
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 20:30-34 (All Scripture quoted is NIV)

Scripture Quote: Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. (Proverbs 29:11)

A person with no self-control is easily angered and pretty much speaks out whatever comes to his mind. Believers are not exempt from poor judgement and can often get themselves in trouble by speaking before giving careful thought to their words. We need to be thoughtful people, intent on peaceful resolution to arguments and speaking words of encouragement to edify others. Loving our neighbor as ourselves can be evident by the way we interact daily with others. We know that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Believers show God's Grace when we do not speak anything that can be taken as controversial or deliberately provoking. We can choose to develop a patient attitude toward injuries unjustly inflicted, without feeling a spirit of revenge or retaliation. These kinds of moderate attitudes define the Christian character seeking to emulate Christ's attributes. Just as God’s Word instructs, we can love our enemies and pray for them, rather than wish evil for them and enter verbal disputes. There are very few people who do not respond positively to a spirit of gentleness and self-control. Let’s live out the Christianity we profess.

Today’s meditation: Think of what Jesus would say, before you speak.

Memory Verse: Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. (Amos 5:14)

DAILY DEVOTION

9/20/2022

What is God’s Will?
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading for the day: Romans 12:1-12

Scripture Quote: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

            We are fortunate to have God’s overall plan for humanity already written in the pages of the bible. So, instead of waiting for God to personally reveal the mysterious purpose for our individual lives, we can study His obvious commandments and principles for living as one of His children that are already accessible to us in the bible. God spoke through His Holy Spirit and inspired the various authors to write down His Will for His people.
            Obedience is key to learning God’s will for our path. If we don’t implement what we already know from His Word, why would we expect to move into a better understanding and closer relationship with God?

            Our hope for finding God’s best for our lives lies in our own willingness to study His Word and obey His instructions. In addition to the bible, godly advisors have been placed in our lives to help us discern God’s plan for ourselves. Our lives will be greatly blessed by recognizing these helpers and accepting their input.

Today’s meditation: What does complete obedience to God look like?

Memory Verse: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

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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