Write from My Heart

Friday, December 12, 2025

Those of Good Birth

Philippians 4:5 (NIV) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Quite frankly I have skipped over this verse enumerable times as I focus on the other exhortations listed in the fourth chapter of Philippians. And even when I did notice it, I just glossed over it thinking it just meant to be calm, not harsh or rude. Today, it stood out like a neon sign.

gentleness (def., having qualities considered appropriate for those of good birth; of the upper classes; refined; people of good birth)

The thought came to me; What better or more noble birth could there be than to be a born again Christian?

John 3:3 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.

This, in turn, raised a barrage of questions: When others see me, is the fact that I am born again through Christ evident to all? Do they see my Christian heritage by the way I live each day and by the way I react to daily circumstances? Does the nobility of Christ shine through me?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your forgiveness, for your mercy, and for your love. Thank you that in Christ I am a person born of nobility and good birth. I pray that in every circumstance the gentleness of Christ living in me might be evident to all.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Those of Good Birth appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Calmly Tolerating Delay

James 5:7-8 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

There are many definitions for the word patient. To be honest, I think that it is easier for me to be patient (i.e., endure without complaining) or to be patient (i.e., refusing to be provoked) than it is for me to be patient (i.e., calmly tolerate delay). Waiting for something is not in my strength toolbox. When it comes to waiting for the Second Coming of Christ, I used to pray “Lord, come quickly” reciting Revelation 22:20 (KJV) Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Then I discovered something that changed my perspective.

2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Each day we calmly tolerate delay is another day for someone to hear the Gospel and accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. That makes the waiting totally worth it all. Now, when it comes to my thoughts about the Second Advent of Christ, I spend time in prayer for all those family and friends who may need time to renew their commitment to the Lord because his coming is surely near; his return is imminent. The best thing you can do as you calmly tolerate delay is to pray for others.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for each precious day you provide for others to hear the Good News and accept Christ as their Savior. Forgive our desire for haste. Thank you for the opportunity to pray.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Calmly Tolerating Delay appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Let Intimidation Generate Determination

Nehemiah 6:8-9 (NLT) I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem...scoundrels, tattletales, schemers, and dissenters. Their target? Nehemiah. Why? The walls of the city of Jerusalem were broken down and the city was defenseless. It was Nehemiah who not only saw the problem, but stepped forward to do something about it. The whole story can be found in the first six short chapters of Nehemiah, and if you have not read the story recently, I would encourage you to do so.

How ironic that Nehemiah had to deal with the “woke” culture of his day. There they were—the little handful of naysayers—chirping out their rumors and lies and doing their best to discredit Nehemiah. Their goal was a simple one of discouragement in the hopes of causing Nehemiah to lose confidence in his own ability to complete the task. [Sounds like it could be the front page of today’s news!] Here’s the bottom line and the lesson for us to contemplate: Nehemiah let intimidation generate determination.

Perhaps you feel the Lord is leading you to be more active in your prayer life, your church life, or community involvement. For me, it was getting back to writing devotionals and posting them publicly. I have a dear friend who faithfully posts daily scriptures to a small group of women; a cousin who plays piano and posts daily hymns and uplifting music; and another cousin who faithfully posts daily scripture verses—all these efforts bring hope and encouragement to more people than any of them will ever realize! There will always be woke naysayers of some type in every generation. In spite of this, I ask you to join me in keeping your resolve firmly fixed on serving the Lord in whatever capacity he leads you. Nehemiah’s task was a difficult one and mine is minuscule compared to his. You may think your task is trivial. Just remember this, NO task is too small when it is dedicated to serving God!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You have called each of us to complete certain tasks according to the abilities you have given us. You also know when our hearts are discouraged by doubts or even the unkindness of others whether it is intentional or unintentional. Let the intimidation we sense create in us an even greater determination to serve you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Let Intimidation Generate Determination appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Anxiety Has a Remedy

Psalm 94:18-19 (NLT) I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Here we are during the holiday season and our hearts should be festive and merry. I’m not sure about you, but being joyful 24-7 is not an easy task. So many people deal with job stress, financial stress, health issues, family concerns, even world events...and none of those things take a break just because it’s the holiday season. However, there is one thing I know for certain. God’s love is amazing! God’s love is unfailing! God’s love is comforting! God’s love is renewing! God’s love is yours.

Your Heavenly Father’s love is the remedy for any anxiety you may be experiencing.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the joy of the season in which we remember your ultimate gift of love; the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ—our Savior and Lord. You are always aware of our life circumstances and you see each stress, anxiety, doubt, or challenge we face. Remind us that your love is there to support us, comfort us, cheer us, and bring us hope.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Anxiety Has a Remedy appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, December 8, 2025

TREASURE - something of great value

Malachi 3:16-17 (NLT) Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

I have often looked at this passage, even including it in many of my previous writings. However, it never ceases to amaze me what new things I can add to my understanding when I look carefully. This morning I discovered at least two points of interest.

First, did you notice the people were speaking amongst themselves; but the LORD listened to what they said. This is a great reminder to each of us that we may not be speaking directly to our Heavenly Father...but he is always listening, not only to our spoken words, but to the words in our hearts.

Another interesting point concerns the scroll of remembrance. This list of names wasn’t created to help God remember because his memory is without flaw. The list was created to help the people remember their commitment to obey, honor, and serve the LORD God Almighty and him alone. God knows each of us. He will not forget his faithful people. It is we who need to remember our pledge to serve him in all that we think, in all that we say, and in all of our actions. When we are obedient to God, when we fear him, and when we always think about the honor of his name, then we are his treasure—something of great value to him—something he will keep as his own.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive us when we forget you are always listening to our words and to our hearts. Remind us that we are your valued treasure and you will not forget us. Create in us a new resolve to honor you with our thoughts, our words, and our service.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional TREASURE—something of great value appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, December 5, 2025

Walk in the Light

1 John 1:5-9 (NLT) This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

When we think of sin, we often only think of really atrocious things like murder, theft, and other things obviously abhorrent in any normal society. However when we consider that sin by definition is “missing the mark”—ANY thing that leads us away from God’s light—the light we have through salvation in Christ—then we have much more thinking to do.

If we agree that the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (cf. Galatians 5:22-23); then we must also agree that sin is anything that misses the mark and leads to hatred, bitterness, discontentment, rudeness, those things questionable or objectionable, harshness, even undisciplined actions. It includes things like malice, but also envy. It includes hatred, but also gossip. It includes rudeness, but also snippy or insulting remarks. This puts things in a little different perspective for us. I think that is one reason I appreciate the reminder, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.”

Wonderful news! There is salvation through Christ that cleanses us from all of our sins and failures leading us away from God’s light. Through Christ we can have the light of God’s Word in our hearts. What a beautiful light it is! In closing, I would like to share the words from an old familiar hymn:

“Walk in the Light” (words by Asa Hull, 19^th century)

Walk in the light the Lord hath given, to guide your steps aright;

His Holy Spirit sent from heaven, can cheer the darkest night.

Walk in the light of gospel truth, that shines from God’s own Word;

A light to guide in early youth the faithful of the Lord.

Walk in the light! tho’ shadows dark like spectres cross your way;

Darkness will flee before the light of God’s eternal day.

Walk in the light—the beautiful light of God.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive those things in our lives that lead us away from you. Guide us to show the light of your Word to a world still living in darkness.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Walk in the Light appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Plans for Making Plans

Proverbs 21:30 (NLT) No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.

Psalm 33:11 (NLT) But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

James 4:13-17 (NLT) Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like a morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Fall seems to be the ultimate Planning Season of our lives. Planning for the holidays, planning family gatherings, planning meals, planning parties, and making resolutions as we are planning for the coming new year. Do these scriptures mean we shouldn’t be making plans? Of course not. If you read the James passage closely, you realize the error is in planning for self-gain. In fact, failure comes in not doing what we know we should do. The whole point of these verses, at least in my mind and in my heart, is that when I make plans—daily, seasonal, yearly, long-range—I should be doing so with the clear understanding that God has ultimate control and his plans may differ from mine. What it tells me, is that before making any plans I should be prayerful and have confidence that what I plan to do is in line with those things that are right and good according to God’s Word; things that will ultimately bring honor and glory to God through my life.

So how does all this work in the everyday nitty gritty of life? Well, I’m pretty sure God would want me to keep a clean home, and although I’m fairly good at that, there is still plenty of room for improvement. When I make plans to spend time on cleaning projects that’s the right thing to do. I’m confident God has given me a modest talent for writing and when I make plans to spend time in that activity, I’m sure I’m making a good choice with the ultimate goal being to honor God. I know beyond doubt that God wants us to encourage one another, so making plans to write, call, text, or visit someone is also something that is a good plan. God wants me to take care of myself, so I know plans for future medical appointments are part of a worthy long-range plan. Finally, I need to remember that God’s ways are greater than my ways and his thoughts far beyond my own. I need to be ready and willing to obey whenever my plans are interrupted by some new or different plan or opportunity God places before me.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us clear instructions and guidelines in your Word. Remind us that what you have planned for us comes first over any of our own plans. Guide us in making those personal plans that are in line with your will for us as a faithful Christian. Grant us a ready, willing, and obedient spirit to seek you first in all that we think, say, and do; and to complete the tasks and opportunities you provide.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) Commit your actions to the LORD and your plans will succeed.

The devotional Plans for Making Plans appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

God Knows Our Hearts

1 John 3: 18, 20 (NLT) Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

There is a well worn saying, “actions speak louder than words.” Most often it seems used to point out the negative perspective, but my heart tells me in light of today’s text that we should view it from a positive perspective. It is one thing to tell someone you love them, but are your words backed up with positive actions? Do you encourage them? Do you pray for them? Do you periodically contact them and check to make sure all is well? God truly knows our hearts and feelings. He knows when our love for someone is merely lip service and when it is genuine. As we think about those whom we love, what can we do to make sure our actions support our words?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We are so truly grateful for the sacrifice of your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ – the greatest action of love ever demonstrated. We may never be called to give our lives, but we are called to show our love for others in ways beyond mere words. You know the sincerity of our hearts, guide us in your truth. Thank you for the opportunities you provide to show love and kindness to others.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional God Knows Our Hearts appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Walking the Balance Beam

Psalm 40:2 (NLT) He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

This morning as old memory (very old) surfaced. Back in junior high days one of the required state standards in physical education was demonstrating our sense of balance by walking across a balance beam, pivoting on our toes, and returning back across the beam. I can remember our coach telling us to imagine ourselves walking across a log stretched out over a muddied pond; to take each step slowly as we went, and above all never look down.

Most days we scoot through life never considering our footing. Everything seems as solid as it can be and we seldom stop to think where our feet will take us as we travel from point to point. However, there are those days when each of us feels as if we are traveling across a muddy pit on a very thin beam. On days such as those, using mud and mire as an analogy for the pit of despair seems so accurate and appropriate. Each step seems to be a struggle, and the only log available for our footing seems to grow thinner and more precarious with each step.

During times like these, how thankful and blessed we are to have a Heavenly Father who watches over us. He is the one who provides sure footing as we travel across the muddy pits of life. He steadies us and will never abandon us. He always stays within prayer’s reach.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

When life’s burdens seem to close in around us, thank you for keeping us steady. Remind us how close you stay to us. Thank you for your love and care.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Walking the Balance Beam appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, December 1, 2025

Working on Our Assignments

Acts 20:24 (NLT) But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful Grace of God.

Ephesians 6:19-20 (NLT) And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. ... So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Those who follow my writing know this is a topic that is frequently on my mind. I always begin with prayer and study before I write, and often my prayer is simply to ask the Lord to lay on my heart whatever it is that he knows someone else (or myself) needs to read. For me, I feel writing is my “assignment” but one which I enjoy and look forward to completing each day. Writing brings purpose and satisfaction to my retirement days. Like Paul, I also try to focus on sharing the Good News as well as offering words of encouragement to others. Paul’s words recorded in the Acts passage were actually written as he knew he would be facing jail and suffering in city after city (cf. v23). Most of us face no such threat, yet still we lack confidence and boldness in sharing the Good News with others. Yet what better time could there be than now to find our voice?

Each of us has our own “assignment.” It might be small acts of encouraging others. It might be sharing music. I might be contacting others to make sure they are well. It might be continuing to work in your chosen profession or occupation while being keenly aware of opportunities to offer a quick word of hope to those in need. It might be simply spending time quietly in prayer lifting up those who need God’s comfort, healing, hope, peace, and strength. We all have purpose and can be useful to our Heavenly Father in more ways than we could possibly imagine. What is your assignment?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us work to do for your glory and honor. Forgive us when we hesitate or procrastinate. May we quickly and faithfully respond to the opportunities you provide.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Working on Our Assignments appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com