Blog Posts - Toni Writing for The Master

DAILY DEVOTION

8/9/2021

Do You Have the Time?
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 4:5-8

Scripture Quote: What will come on us, if we do not give our minds to such a great salvation? a salvation of which our fathers first had knowledge through the words of the Lord, and which was made certain to us by those to whom his words came; Hebrews (BBE) 2:3

We are so fortunate that we have wisdom and truth available to us at all times. Our bibles, computers, notebooks, phones, classes, etc., are all instant resources - You'd think the church body would be saturated with the Word of God. Knowledge of the eternal and infinite Spirit, the Creator and the One who is sovereign over the entire universe invites us to learn about and commune with Him - Yet, many of us don't have a clue what riches are readily available for the taking.

We need to feed on God's Word daily, even more than we need to eat food to sustain us. There is such power and guidance in the prophecies, parables, stories of success and failure. The people are real and they teach us that all of humanity is broken and in need of a Savior. We can choose to hide His Word in our hearts as David did, or miss out on God’s plans for us. Even though David was a sinner and made terrible mistakes, he returned to the forgiving grace extended to him. So, will we begin to be more deliberate in our pursuit of the knowledge of God? He extends an open invitation to all.

Today’s meditation: Take the time to learn about your Creator.

Memory Verse: But praise be to God who makes us strong to overcome in Christ, and makes clear through us in every place the value of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (BBE)

DAILY DEVOTION

8/6/2021

Do You Accept God's Best?
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: John 15:1-11
Scripture Quote: “God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.”          2 Peter 1:4 (CEV)
      Wouldn't you love to suddenly be changed and be totally infused with Christ's nature? I know I would. To be unmistakably stamped with God's nature is the ultimate reward for total obedience and submission to the will of God.
      From a human or worldly perspective, obedience and submission are associated with weakness and dull wittedness. Pride is the reason for such an incorrect appraisal, because in reality, obedience and submission are the ultimate goals of the wise child of God. Only the truly informed could understand the strength and sustenance in a life turned over completely to His loving hand.
Today’s meditation: Hardships and loss can become much weaker influences on us, if we take God at His Word.
Memory Verse: I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” John 10:9 NIV

DAILY DEVOTION

8/5/2021

Worship

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Isaiah 2:1-22

Scripture Quote: “And after his care, he uses part of the wood to make a fire to warm himself and bake his bread. Then – yes, it’s true – he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god for people to worship! He makes and idol and bows down and praises it! Then he takes what is left and makes his god: a carved idol! He say, you are my god!”” Isaiah 44:15 (NLT)

            Imagine how sad our heavenly Father must be as he watches us worship all kinds of things other than Him. God is the one who created us, who we ultimately trust and who we look to for security and happiness. We know that He is in charge of our future, yet, knowing all this, we still worship our jobs, our salaries, other people, or whatever, and think more often of them than our Almighty God. Who but a fool would make his own god who can’t possible help with real life issues?

            We should be proud of belonging to God. He deserves all honor and glory and praise. God sent His only son and sacrificed His life, so that we might have life. He has loved us with an insurmountable love. False gods can’t love us and redeem us from our sins. God is the one and only true God and He deserves all of our love and reverence.

Meditation for today: You can stand in the approval of God again - Admit to God that you have made a mistake and tell Him how much you love Him.

Memory Verse: “Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (NLT)

DAILY DEVITUIN

8/4/2021

Discipline
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:5-10

Scripture Quote: “My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)

Discipline may not be popular, but it is necessary. If it is not delved out in anger, or meant to punish oppressively, discipline is useful to teach or restrain. Correction is never designed to cause harm. Parents want to help their children to become Christ followers. Discipline motivated by love produces positive change. It is tempting and truly easier to let poor behavior slide so confrontation is avoided. The Bible tells us, however, in Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."

Current culture deems parents abusive if they physically discipline their children. One parent can actually call Family Services on another parent if any kind of force is observed - God doesn't care about Family Services or new and compliant parenting. Just as He disciplines us, we also need to correct our children. If spanking will bring a rebellious child to submit to parental authority, then we are obliged not to spare the rod. Strict discipline does yield respect for authority and improved behavior. Our children need to learn submission so that they will also submit to their Heavenly Father.

Today’s meditation: We all need to submit to God’s authority.

Memory Verse: "Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God." Lev 19:3 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

8/3/2021

Discipline is Necessary

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Zechariah 7:11-14

Scripture Quotes: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalms 119:67,71 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelations 3:19(All NIV)

We tend to have negative reactions to the whole concept of discipline. It seems synonymous with punishment or restriction. Punishment beams a light on our guilt and demands an unpleasant act of contrition. However, punishment, if not mean spirited, can turn a person away from a persistent sin and bring the repentant Christian closer to the obedient response our God requires. If we receive the discipline as an opportunity for growth, we can attempt a bit of Christ-like conduct as an appropriate response to our correction – And we can eventually receive through Him a mature faith that can stand in every trial.

Picture a long, high bridge. We are on one side and perfection is on the other side. It's a long journey with others traveling past, behind and beside us. Some are even walking in the opposite direction, which sometimes confuses us. We can trip, or get pushed, or injured, or need help to get to the far side. Nevertheless, we journey on. We can't see our ultimate destination, yet we are certain that it will be a perfect place without adversity. We also believe and are especially encouraged because we know that Jesus is waiting for us there. :0)

Today’s meditation: God disciplines us with love and authority.

Memory Verse: Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

8/2/2021

Discernment

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 5:11-14 (All Scripture quoted is NIV)

Scripture Quote: But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

As we deliberately study God's Word, the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Counselor, will increase our understanding. He brings certain instruction to our remembrance as we live out a godly lifestyle. Christians lean heavily on inspiration so that we can understand and follow God's precepts. As we pray and study, we develop discernment to help us avoid Satan’s snares and all the world's influences. Christ told His apostles that when He died, He would bequeath to them and to all His followers, tranquility and happiness in the form of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised us everlasting friendship with Him.

If we dig into Scripture daily, we develop the ability to apply the truth within to our lives. When difficulties arise or decisions must be made that are important or life changing, we will be fully prepared to follow God's path. Though at times our specific circumstances may not be directly addressed in the Bible, we still will have the principles and direction of all that we have learned from our study. The Holy Spirit will bring to our minds exactly what we need to make good, godly decisions - That, and the constant desire to emulate Christ, gives us all that we need to live a peaceful and blessed life.

Today’s meditation: Study and let the Holy Spirit guide your life.

Memory Verse: But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. (1 Jonn 2:20)

DAILY DEVOTION

7/30/2021

Worship

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Isaiah 2:1-22

Scripture Quote: “And after his care, he uses part of the wood to make a fire to warm himself and bake his bread. Then – yes, it’s true – he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god for people to worship! He makes and idol and bows down and praises it! Then he takes what is left and makes his god: a carved idol! He say, you are my god!”” Isaiah 44:15 (NLT)

            Imagine how sad our heavenly Father must be as he watches us worship all kinds of things other than Him. God is the one who created us, who we ultimately trust and who we look to for security and happiness. We know that He is in charge of our future, yet, knowing all this, we still worship our jobs, our salaries, other people, or whatever, and think more often of them than our Almighty God. Who but a fool would make his own god who can’t possible help with real life issues?

            We should be proud of belonging to God. He deserves all honor and glory and praise. God sent His only son and sacrificed His life, so that we might have life. He has loved us with an insurmountable love. False gods can’t love us and redeem us from our sins. God is the one and only true God and He deserves all of our love and reverence.

Meditation for today: You can stand in the approval of God again - Admit to God that you have made a mistake and tell Him how much you love Him.

Memory Verse: “Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (NLT)

DAILY DEVOTION

7/29/2021

Worry

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Isaiah 41:11-20

Scripture Quote: “God the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath and life to everyone in the world.” Isaiah 42:5 (NLT)

            Do you find yourself sometimes worrying over your circumstances? Did you realize that worrying is sinful? As Christians we must surrender all our concerns to our heavenly Father. He can solve any problem you can give Him - God delivers. When He makes a promise, he keeps it. He is completely trustworthy. He wants to take you to new levels in your life as you hand more and more of your concerns over to Him.

            We must learn to squelch our tendency to be independent and self-reliant. In a society that verbally and monetarily rewards these behaviors, it’s hard to see these traits as less than admirable. When you abide by the world’s rules and deal with things on your own strength, you will eventually face the fact that you are worried over things you have no power to change. God will let you suppose that you have control of those problems, but you will always suffer the consequence of choosing to worry. Until you relinquish total control, God will not take it from you. Why not give Him everything and begin living the abundant life He has for you.

Meditation for today: Relinquish all things into God’s loving care.

Memory Verse: “Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

DAILY DEVOTION

7/28/2021

Weakness

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: John 21:1-25

Scripture Quote: “After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? Yes Lord, Peter replied, you know I love you. Then feed my lambs, Jesus told him.” John 21:15 (NLT)

            Would you pick a person that doubted you and betrayed you to be one of your best friends - Probably not? Jesus did and, no matter how often they disappointed Him, He always forgave them. In the end, He placed them in charge of His church. Seems hard to believe that Jesus couldn’t find more suitable or reliable people to represent him - But that’s really the point, we are all unsuitable and unreliable. We just fool ourselves into thinking that we aren’t that bad, that our walk with the Lord isn’t often shaky at best.

            But Jesus loves us just as much at He did Peter. He sticks with us as we stumble along so that it doesn’t matter how many times we lose in life, he has already won our final victory. Jesus was raised from death’s grip and He is alive today and forever more. That is what gives our broken hearts the hope we can confidently cling to.

Meditation for today: The fact that God’s power is displayed in our weaknesses should encourage us. We all fall short of His glory, yet we are still His beloved children.

Memory Verse: “Each time He said, My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

July 27th, 2021

7/27/2021

Ultimate Power

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Ephesians 1:1-23 (NKJ)

Scripture Quote: “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:15-16

            We were chosen by God before birth. The mighty power of God is available to all believers because of our connection to His ultimate power, through our Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and placed him at God’s right hand giving Him dominion over everything. Jesus is the head of our church. If we could fathom the incredible significance of being part of God’s family with His own power given to us as a gift of love, we would never be able to stop praising Him or doing good for His glory.

            Every day we go about our lives occasionally praying and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guiding, but mostly forgetting to do that and forgetting also that God takes pleasure in us and we are precious to Him. We are tempted from every direction and lose our focus on God. We sin, even knowing that the power to overcome is within us. Then we ask God to forgive us. Each day we move closer to an intimate relationship with our Lord and a life that shows an increase in healthy fruit.

Meditation for the day: Remember your Lord and Savior all through the day and continually praise His forgiving grace. Tell someone else about Jesus today.

Memory Verse: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Ephesians 3:20

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

BIBLE STUDY TOOLS

Share your Faith

Plant based food restaurant

Author

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.

Archives

August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
June 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014

Categories