Blog Posts - Toni Writing for The Master

DAILY DEVOTION

11/12/2020

Be Reborn and Live

Scripture Reading: Psalms 139:12-17

Scripture Quote: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:3,5 NIV)

Jesus was despised by many of the religious Jewish scribes who desperately feared His radical teachings - They felt threatened by Christ's profession of love for one’s enemies. They were angered when Jesus spoke boldly about repentance and forgiveness of sins, which were things only animal sacrifice and the involvement of the scribes could accomplish. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry and performed miracles that proved His divinity, but the Jewish leaders were more interested in preserving their own status.

Jesus spoke of a loving God who wanted to heal and restore humanity to fellowship with Him. Because the people flocked to Jesus, the scribes became violently adamant about plotting His demise. Jesus knew that His life’s purpose was to become a sacrificial offering for the sins of His people. His message was repentance, forgiveness of sins for all who would believe in Him and His great love for them. His resurrection was proof of His divinity and is our hope that we will one day be with Him in paradise.

Today’s meditation: We must be reborn into God’s forgiving grace.

Memory Verse: Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24 NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

11/11/2020

Believe God’s Word

Scripture Reading: James 1:1-8 (NIV)

Scripture Quote: "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:23-24 (NIV)

In order for us to obtain wisdom that contains a practical knowledge of God, of our salvation and even a more intimate understanding of ourselves, we must study God's Word - We can only find this deep kind of truth when we spend time studying and seeking God as our teacher. We need to ask for Divine teaching. God is actually willing to give generously to those who understand their lack and desire His teaching above all else.

It's the asking and not doubting part that messes us up. Unwavering faith is a rare commodity, yet that is exactly the currency God demands. We have to first understand our need, then realize that God is good and desires good for His children. If He tells us in His Word, which He does, (James1:5),that we can ask for wisdom, then that should be good enough for us. We must trust God's infallible Word. But He does qualify our requests - We must absolutely believe that He is ready to impart to His children whatever they need.

Today’s meditation: Ask in faith, believing God's Word.

Memory Verse: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

11/10/2020

Be Reborn and Live

Scripture Reading: Psalms 139:12-17

Scripture Quote: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:3,5 NIV)

Jesus was despised by many of the religious Jewish scribes who desperately feared His radical teachings - They felt threatened by Christ's profession of love for one’s enemies. They were angered when Jesus spoke boldly about repentance and forgiveness of sins, which were things only animal sacrifice and the involvement of the scribes could accomplish. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry and performed miracles that proved His divinity, but the Jewish leaders were more interested in preserving their own status.

Jesus spoke of a loving God who wanted to heal and restore humanity to fellowship with Him. Because the people flocked to Jesus, the scribes became violently adamant about plotting His demise. Jesus knew that His life’s purpose was to become a sacrificial offering for the sins of His people. His message was repentance, forgiveness of sins for all who would believe in Him and His great love for them. His resurrection was proof of His divinity and is our hope that we will one day be with Him in paradise.

Today’s meditation: We must be reborn into God’s forgiving grace.

Memory Verse: Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24 NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

11/9/2020

Be Proud of Christ

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 26:16-23

Scripture Quote: Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. (2 Cor 12:7a MSG)

Paul's life prior to his conversion would have been one of power and self-sufficiency. If anyone would have been prone toward pride, it would have been a man like Paul. God used Paul mightily for the Gospel message. Because God knew Paul's character, He used some sort of physical handicap to balance Paul's abilities, so that he would spread Christ's teaching as a humble man. God kept Paul humble so he would be an example to those who sat under his teaching.

The sin of pride, with its subtle pull, lurks constantly around every Christian's heart. If a person was characterized by pride before his salvation, he will be in special danger of it afterward. Almost anyone that is gifted in some way, will tend toward pride over his ability. Satan might captivate him through the innocent flattery of friends, or some other form of affirmation. The only real way we can keep from the danger of this sin is to be constantly aware of the presence of God's Holy Spirit within us, who is the source of our every attribute. If we must be proud of anything, let it be pride in our Savior and all that He has accomplished for us on the cross.

Today’s meditation: Jesus is the only one with bragging rights.

Memory Verse: First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. (Proverbs 16:18 MSG)

DAILY DEVOTION

11/6/2020

Be Humble in Spirit

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 66:1-6 (All Scripture quoted is NIV)

Scripture Quote: You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. (Psalms 51:16-17)

The battles we fight and the quarrels we participate in come from our inner struggles with our flesh. When we take our attention away from living for the Lord, we covet things others have, but we can't get what we want, so we quarrel and fight. However, we do not have what we want because we don't submit our desires to God and accept His decision whether or not what we ask for fits into the plan He has for our lives. If in our disappointment with God's decision, we turn to the world, we are actually joining with the enemies of God.

Finding our way back to the Father requires a humble and contrite heart and a sovereign act of His mercy. Our loving Father is always there to heal our broken spirits and renew our distracted heart. It is true that there is nothing similar to what we find in the love and peace of God - His love is greater than anything this world could possibly offer because He gives us genuine happiness, which will always allude the flesh. Believers belong to God Almighty and He alone can fulfill the desires of our hearts.

Today’s meditation: Rest and peace are found only in our Father God.

Memory Verse: But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." (James 4:6)

DAILY DEVOTION

11/5/2020

Be Brave and Speak Out

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12

Scripture Quote: Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. John 15:20(NIV)

We know that people all over the world are persecuted and killed because of their faith. In our country, Christians are a group that certain factions would stamp out completely, if they could. Our schools have no more prayers offered. Our educators teach that a “big bang” somehow conjured up life, but that Christianity and creationism are synonymous with ignorance. History is gradually being rewritten, diminishing the founding father’s deep dependence on God. Many of this generation’s children are raised with no exposure to Jesus or any firm sense of morality. Christians need to step up and make a difference.

Jesus was tortured and murdered for us, yet we’re afraid to speak about our faith to the person that we know might be unreceptive? Are we truly concerned that we could turn someone away from God with our awkward attempts? Does that even make sense when a person’s eternal destiny is in dire jeopardy! Know that the power of the Holy Spirit can help us to have the courage to be a witness to the Word and to testify about our own salvation - We can trust Him to enable us.

Today’s meditation: Be bold and without excuse - Proclaim the Gospel.

Memory Verse: Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

11/4/2020

Be A Blessing

Scripture Reading: John 4:4-23

Scripture Quote: "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24 (NIV)

To Christians, it seems so obvious that Christ is the long awaited Messiah and that He died for forgiveness of sin in general, and for our individual salvation, in particular. Others may see through foggy vision that there is a God, but only because they marvel at and need to explain the intricacies and complex design of humanity and nature. Believers understand that God is so much more than a remote cause of all things. Our God is Spirit and He is Eternal. He is personally involved with every aspect of our lives.

God delights in those of us who have been made partakers of His Own Divine nature. He has made us His children and our hearts are full of love for Him and His truth. Our prayers and worship bring all our affections, flaws and desires to His throne. We are so privileged to have become joint heirs with Jesus. There are so many people in our personal sphere of influence who are still floundering for meaning in their lives. They live in darkness, only aware of the physical aspects of life, while we possess the knowledge of eternal life. Share what is in your heart with those who don’t yet understand.

Today’s meditation: Everyone needs to know who Jesus is!

Memory Verse: “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." John 4:24 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

11/3/2020

Backslider

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-24

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

11/2/2020

Avoid Immorality

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

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

10/30/2020

Attitude of Repentance

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-4

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."

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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