Write from My Heart

Friday, October 31, 2025

Something Has Gone Terribly Wrong

Psalm 10: 4-5, 11, 14 (NLT) The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They sneer at all their enemies. They think, “Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever!” ... The wicked think, “God isn’t watching us! He has closed his eyes and won’t even see what we do.” ... But you see the trouble and grief they cause, You take note of it and punish them.

John 16:33 (NIV) [Jesus answered,] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Words written some 3,000 years ago by the Psalmist might be just as appropriately written today. We are indeed living in perilous times. The wicked are portrayed as those who are oppressed, while those striving for right are portrayed as oppressors. Something has gone terribly wrong—and that something is a turning away from being One Nation Under God to becoming One Nation Under SELF. Those who mistakenly believe God no longer sees or no longer cares what they do are in for quite a shock. For truly, God does see, he does know, and he will not tolerate wickedness in any form or to any degree. It may not seem like it now, but justice will prevail!

What does all this mean for the disheartened Christian? We are sickened by the disrespect for our nation, for our President, for our military servicemen, for those in law enforcement, and for our first responders. We are surrounded by troubled times. We are tempted to shrink back in fear. And perhaps the worst of all our reactions is to incorrectly assume, “I’m only one person; I can’t really do anything to help.” Yes, you can! Yes, we can!

I firmly believe there are far more Christians in our nation than we realize, and that together our prayers can have tremendous impact. Remember, Christ is our salvation, our solution, our strength. And dear friends, he has already triumphed over sin! We are not promised a trouble-free life, nor a trouble-free world in which to live, but we are promised an inner peace that is foreign to those living outside of Christ. We find that peace through prayer. Here is my challenge: NOW is the time to be in fervent prayer for our nation, our President, our military, our servicemen, law enforcement, and first responders—and for each other!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

My heart aches to see the troubles saturating our nation, especially to know the primary cause is turning to self and away from you. Responsibility begins with me. As I turn to you O Lord, I recognize that you do see trouble and grief, you do hear my prayers, and you will respond. Encourage others to join me in prayer wherever they are, for you hear every voice that calls to you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Something Has Gone Terribly Wrong 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.

Thursday, October 30, 2025

When You Pray

Matthew 6:5-6 (NLT) When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

One of the reasons I spend so much time writing about positive behaviors is because I know how much I need to read what I write. Today I am reminded by scripture, that my private prayer life has more depth of meaning than any public display ever could. And I know why this is so. When I am alone with my Heavenly Father, I don’t have to fix my hair, straighten my clothes, or check camera angles. When I am alone with my Heavenly Father, the only thing I ever need to fix is my heart! And whether I am on my knees, or sitting quietly in a chair, it will be in total reverence and respect for my Heavenly Father alone.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Men may watch the outside, but Lord, you alone know our hearts. There is no power in pretending to be pious—there is no eternal reward. But when we humbly bow before you alone, even with our creaky knees and broken hearts, you are there. You hear our cry for mercy, and you always respond. In humble gratitude we thank you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional When You Pray appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV) I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

Psalm 18:1-2 (NLT) I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

I grew up in the state of Florida where there are only two seasons...Summer and Hurricane. Because I still have family in Florida, I have been tracking the latest Cat 5 hurricane, “Melissa,” as it winds its way closer to the state. In recent years our nation has weathered many storms including massive fires, raging flood waters, tornadoes and hurricanes.

Today my heart is remembering those who face personal storms; health concerns, loss of loved ones, financial concerns, employment concerns, anxiety, depression, loneliness and more. Through it all, the LORD is our Rock and he will be our shelter during any storm of life we face. I am reminded of an old hymn we used to sign. It can be located online or in several hymnals, (words by V.J. Charlesworth, 1880; adapted by I.D. Sankey, 1885):

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm;

Secure whatever ill betide, a shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night, a shelter in the time of storm;

No fears alarm, no foes affright, a shelter in the time of storm.

O Rock divine, O Refuge dear, a shelter in the time of storm;

Be Thou our helper ever near, a shelter in the time of storm.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive us when our courage falters and we fear the storms of life. Be with those in the path of natural storms; comfort and strengthen those enduring personal storms. Thank you for your constant abiding care.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional A Shelter in the Time of Storm appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Wisdom, Kindness, and Compassion

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV and NLT, combined) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

It always amazes me when I hear someone say they don’t read the Bible because it’s too hard to understand. I assume they are referencing the old English wording of King James Version. However with all the modern translations available to us today their excuses are thin at best. There is an old expression, “where the rubber meets the road,” meaning the point at which ideas, concepts, or plans are put into practice. My theory is this is the actual reason people hesitate to read the Bible—fear of rubber meeting the road—fear of application—fear of actually having to put Christian guidelines into practice.

As I considered the best way to wrap up this little devotional, I discovered the solution just a few verses away.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) Be very careful, then how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Your Word is clear. I’m not sure why we hesitate to spend time reading your Word; please forgive us. Lead us in the way of wisdom, kindness, and compassion. Help us make the most of every opportunity you give us today to bring honor and glory to you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Wisdom, Kindness, and Compassion appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, October 27, 2025

Peace and Comfort

Isaiah 26:3,4 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is a Rock eternal.

Philippians 4:7 (NLT) Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV & KJV, combined) For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.

Several years ago my uncle reminded me of the passage in Isaiah during a particularly stressful time in my life. The other two verses from Philippians and 2 Timothy have been long-time comforts for me. Now whenever my brain starts down the stressful “What if...” bunny-trails of life; all three verses bring to my mind the kind of peace and comfort only God can provide.

It occurs to me, as simplistic as it may sound, that the more time we take to study the Bible and learn its truths, the better able we are to find peace and comfort in time of need. Sadly, the converse is also true—if we seldom study the Bible for ourselves, if we seldom make the effort to learn its truths and commit them to heart, then we have fewer resources for peace and comfort in time of need.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the peace and comfort you provide through your Word during times of stress. May we be faithful and diligent to study your Word and hold fast to its precious truths.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Peace and Comfort appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, October 24, 2025

God Deserves More than Leftovers

Malachi 1:6 (NIV) “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty.

Malachi 1:14 (NLT) Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord.

The book of Malachi is one of my favorite texts to study. Written nearly 400 years before the life of Christ, Malachi is full of warnings to the people of that time period; yet those warnings are just as applicable today. I would encourage you to read the entire short book using your favorite translation (NIV, NLT, NKJV, NET or similar).

In the first chapter of Malachi, the priests had been caught bringing God their leftovers. Are we any different from the priests of Malachi’s day? I find the temptation today for us is very much the same. This is not just a matter of the giving God our financial leftovers. It is also a matter of the giving of our leftover time, effort, and energy. Our daily schedule seems take priority while our devotional life is an afterthought. When our day runs out of time, as it often does, we convince ourselves we will read an extra verse or two “tomorrow”. Dear Readers, it may take time and effort to build a consistent devotional life (i.e., Bible study, thought, and prayer) with our Heavenly Father, but isn’t that what he deserves from us? And folks, it isn’t so much about setting a schedule for a precise time each day, but it is that you TAKE time—MAKE time—each day. Anything less does not give our Heavenly Father the full honor and respect due to Him. God deserves our best, not our leftovers.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive us for giving you our leftovers. Create in us the resolve to seek you daily. May you be our priority in all that is accomplished each day.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional God Deserves More than Leftovers appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, October 23, 2025

No Middle Ground

Malachi 3:17-18 (NLT) “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.

For background, the book of Malachi was written to the people of Judah approximately 400 years before the life of Christ. It is a book of both judgment and prophecy. In this passage, the people had heard the judgments in regard to their unfaithfulness and disobedience to God. Their response was repentance. In the latter part of chapter 3, upon hearing the LORD’s judgment, we are told:

Malachi 3:16 (NIV) Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.

It is at this point that the LORD gives his promise of mercy (today’s text, vs. 17-18) to those who faithfully serve him. Those found on the side of promise will be God’s special treasure. Make no mistake, there will be a day of judgment and that judgment will result in the ultimate destruction of everything and everyone found unfaithful to God. There will be a defined line; a definitive difference; a clear distinction between those who serve the Lord God Almighty and those who do not. Do not be deceived; do not fall into the temptation of thinking that there will be multiple options and alternatives. Again, there is no middle ground! The ultimate question is this:

Will you be found on the side of judgment or the side of promise?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive us when we pretend all is right and we have no need of repentance. For truly, repentance is what we need most. Thank you for the promise of salvation through your only Son, Jesus Christ. Your word is clear, there will be judgment coming for the unfaithful. May we be found faithful in your sight; may we be counted among those who are your special treasure.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional No Middle Ground appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Lonely Flagpoles and Tattered Banners

Isaiah 30:15 (NIV) This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

Time and again, the prophet Isaiah tried to warn the people of Israel of their need for repentance. It’s interesting to note that the word repentance used in this sense was more than just dodging sin or avoiding it. The word implies fully turning around and returning to God. Also noted in this text, the term quietness indicates an absence of panic or overwhelming fright. In short, Isaiah tells the people to stop panicking and fully turn away from all sins and return to trusting God.

The next two verses, Isaiah 30:16-17 (NLT) chronicle the ways in which the Israelites were attempting to solve their problems on their own. Their tactic was to simply run away; flee; hide. Isaiah warns them in v. 17 (NLT), You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop. You see, this type of situational panic (e.g., run and hide; ignore the problem) didn’t work for the Israelites then, and it won’t work for us today. Evil will follow you; it will chase you. Thankfully, Isaiah reminded the Israelites that they have a solution—and that solution is available to us today:

Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

This is still the same true message for us today. Sin is anything that would turn us away from keeping our focus and attention on our Savior. Are you feeling as if you are a lonely flagpole on a hill—no one to help you or comfort you? Are you perhaps so worn and weary from trying to handle life’s challenges on your own that you feel like a tattered banner far away on some distant mountaintop where no one sees or cares? It’s time—beyond time—time to turn around and return to the arms of your gracious and compassionate Heavenly Father. It’s time to trust your Heavenly Father.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive us when we panic amidst our circumstances, or try to take matters into our own hands. Teach us to trust in you, for you are our salvation, our source of justice, and our strength for each day. Guide us in understanding that true repentance is totally and completely turning away from anything that distracts us or draws our attention away from you. Find us faithful to you in all circumstances.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Lonely Flagpoles and Tattered Banners appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

There Will Always Be Hope

Psalm 71:7-9 (NLT) My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

Psalm 71:14 (NIV) But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

I suppose there comes a time when every writer worries about being repetitive. Those who write novels probably worry that too many of their characters will be similar, story plots will repeat, and audiences will lose interest. I admit to having similar thoughts as a devotional writer. My mind is cluttered with questions such as: Have I already used this scripture? Have I already covered this topic? Am I just writing the same things over and over?

Then it occurred to me; I do have the same message to proclaim! People do need to hear the news of salvation, peace, comfort, and hope—over and over again! We are living in uncertain times. Our nation is riddled with those who would destroy everything we hold dear—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, one thing remains certain. God is real. He is the one true God above all other manmade or man-generated gods. The Lord God Almighty is the source of our strength and our protection. He is the provider of blessed hope! There will always be hope in Him!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the hope we have in you, the one true Lord God Almighty. Forgive us when we falter or fail to recognize you in our lives. Embolden us to repeat the Gospel Good News as many times as it takes to guide others to you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional There Will Always Be Hope appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, October 20, 2025

Restful Nights

Psalm 3:5 (NLT) I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.

Psalm 4-8 (NLT) In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

There are some nights when I just can’t find the “off” switch for my thoughts. I lie awake for hours looking at the clock which only shows a few minutes difference each time. Sometimes I know what keeps me awake, but sometimes it’s just sort of a jumbled-up mixture of random thoughts. That’s when verses like those noted above bring me the most comfort.

I know that David wrote many of the Psalms. Often he speaks of his enemies in pursuit of him and during those times it must have been so hard for him to close his eyes at night. Yet he knew the Lord was in control. This is what allowed him to sleep peacefully in spite of the many dangers lurking nearby.

My life is quite different because I do not face the types of dangers David did. In fact, I can’t really say it is danger at all that keeps me awake some nights. Most of the time it is more like just a restlessness and inability to quiet my random thoughts. What I have come to understand is that God provides peace that I do not have on my own. Furthermore, he offers peace freely if I just ask him, and trust that he will answer.

I have said before, and still maintain, the more one studies the Bible—takes the time and effort to learn verses—the more comfort we have in times of need.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Sometimes our struggles seem very minor, and restless nights can be one of those minor annoyances. Thank you for examples in your Word that remind us of the comfort and peace only you can provide. Thank you for peaceful, restful nights.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Restful Nights appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com