Looking Forward - Part 2

John 14:28-29 (NLT)     Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. ... I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

Mark 13:32-33, 37 (NLT)     However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! ... I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!

My grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ generations were convinced theirs was to be the generation of the Lord’s return. They spoke often of the Lord’s coming and the urgency of keeping one’s heart and life ready. They sang hymns like “Some Golden Daybreak”, “Coming Again”, “When He Cometh”,  “Beulah Land”, and “What a Gathering.” I remember attending old fashioned Campground Meetings in New England, and also attending many week-long Revivals each year.

Somewhere along the way complacency has slipped into our expectancy of Christ’s imminent return. Yes, we acknowledge the truth of His coming. But our grandparents and great-grandparents were so sure and it hasn’t happened yet, so will it really happen in our lifetime? It might surprise you, but God has explained this in His Word. He has even shared with us His thoughts on the matter. The passage is lengthy, but I want you to know how all this fits together. Please take time to read, or find 2 Peter 3:3-15 in your own Bible, but please take time from your busy day to read.

2 Peter 3:3-15 (NLT)      Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

            They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

            But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 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. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be burned up.

            Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

            And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive our complacency. Rekindle in us the urgency of Jesus Christ’s return in a way that spurs us to tell others not only the Gospel Good News, but also the precious promise at the end—that Christ is coming again soon! We are so humbly grateful that you willingly tarry so that others might have time to repent and receive the gift of Salvation. And whether you come at tomorrow’s Golden Daybreak, or thousands upon thousands of years from now...fill each of our remaining moments with joyful anticipation.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Looking Forward – Part 2 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.

Looking Forward - Part 1

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 (NLT)  And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

Building a little bit of background, we find this letter was written by Paul circa _AD50-_AD52 shortly after the church of Thessalonica was founded.  Paul uses phrases like “everywhere we go” and “people telling us about your faith” and “they keep talking about...you”. I find this remarkable because already the reputation of this newly founded church had spread to both northern and southern Greece (Macedonia and Achaia). By the crudest and roughest of estimations this covered a swath of land 300 miles deep and 200 miles wide. In a day preceding travel by automobile and devoid of social online networking, I find this remarkable. Even more remarkable is the knowledge of this widespread news taking place during the intense persecution of Christians by the various Caesars of the Roman Empire. The world was a rough place for Christians to take a stand, and yet they did so willingly, unashamedly, and with great fervor.

What were the primary talking points?

The wonderful welcome given to Paul and his companions 

This makes sense to me because I remember Paul used to be “Saul” a persecutor of Christians. Knowing that it was safe to welcome Paul would have been critical in Paul’s ministry of spreading the gospel.

How you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God 

India’s Buddha and China’s Confucius had existed for some 500+ years by this time. Not to mention the temples to Diana, Zeus, and a myriad of other characters of Greek mythology. And of course, the more immediate gods were those statues and monuments erected to the various Caesars of the day. The land was permeated with statues, amulets, coins, and other inanimate objects of idol worship readily available in any marketplace or street corner. It was amidst this setting the Thessalonians found the strength and courage to serve the living and true God.

How you are looking forward to the coming of God’s son...

This is perhaps the most heart-wrenching for me to read. The ache in my heart tells me we have lost our fervor for telling others about the return of Christ. We plod along in our daily lives, and while we might share the Gospel Good News, we seem to have lost the sense of urgency of the 2^nd Advent. To be clear, I am not doubting Christian beliefs in general; we know Christ will come again because he promised to do so and he keeps his promises. What I see is a growing complacency and loss of urgency. And this, dear readers, will be our next topic of study.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the zeal and role model of the early Thessalonica fellowship. Thank you for the ministry of Paul and the example he sets for us to follow. Most of all, thank you for the gift of Salvation you offer us through the death and resurrection of your only beloved Son, Jesus Christ. While most of us do not struggle with tangible idols of clay or stone, many of us struggle with the intangible idols of self, greed, and time. We ask forgiveness. We turn to You, the one true and living God.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Looking Forward – Part 1 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.

Thoughts and Prayers

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NLT)  We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It’s not just an empty sentiment. When you sign your letters, notes, and cards, “...with thoughts and prayers,”  mean it!  When you tell someone, “I’ll be thinking of you,” or “I’ll be praying for you,” do it!

Whether you realize it or not, throughout your life people have been thinking of you and praying for you. They offer prayers of thanksgiving for your life and what you mean to them. They remember the hard work you do and the kindness you show to others. They pray for you to find salvation in Christ because that is your greatest need, and when you accept Christ as your Savior they rejoice for you have found enduring hope in Him.

With thoughts and prayers

Thinking of you

Praying for you

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for all those who have been thinking of me and praying for me throughout the various seasons of my life. Keep me away from uttering idle sentiments and plant within my heart a new resolve to follow through faithfully as you lay names on my heart.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Thoughts and Prayers 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.

Beautiful Feet

Romans 10:13-15 (NLT)       for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

There is a dear gentleman in our church who faithfully travels to Haiti, despite the dangers, to help with missions work with several of the local individuals there. Our church is faithful to support that work. And honestly when we read scriptures like the passage above, our immediate thoughts divert to words like missionary and mission...someone else, not us... somewhere else, not here. We are comfortable with this because it implies we don’t have to go anywhere or do anything, someone else can do it. We get some complacent idea that “they” are called and sent. We are not.

Here’s the problem. You ARE being sent. From the moment you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, you were sent into the world for the purpose of sending a beacon of light to a lost and dying world.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV, excerpts)    You are the light of the world. ...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Here’s another news flash for you. Take time to notice what we refer to as the Great Commission, further detailed in Jesus’ last words recorded in Acts...doesn’t begin in the farthest corners of the world, but it begins locally. It begins in your own hometown, then reaching outward from city, to state, to nation, to the world.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV, excerpts) ...Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...

Acts 1:7-8 (NLT, excerpts)    ...And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

It begins in the center and spreads outward in concentric circles. Right here, where you are. Right now, today. You are already in the right time and place to be a witness for Christ. At your job. At the grocery store. At the gas station. In your neighborhood. At your school. At the coffee shop. On the pickleball court. In the gym. Texting with family and friends.

You have been sent to tell others about the One who loves you, died for you, saved you, rose again for you, and is returning for you. You have been sent to tell others about Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. Your feet are beautiful! Why? Because YOU are the messenger that brings good news.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us for the assumption that others can do the missionary work for us. We truly thank you for those who are willing to travel and we ask for their safety in difficult situations. But we also ask that you awaken in us the awareness of the many folk we encounter on a daily basis who desperately need to hear of your love, and the gift of salvation you offer through the sacrifice of Your One and only Beloved Son. Embolden us to be the messengers who bring Good News.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Beautiful Feet appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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.

 

Christians are not Pollyannas

Proverbs 29:7-11 (NIV)        The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Unless you happen to be some kind of hermit living in a hole, the preceding scripture triggers an abundance of examples from recent days in our Nation and around the world. There is no need for me to list specific examples of hatred, greed, and sin; there are already plenty of those swimming around in your head.

Few people recognize the word Pollyanna or understand its intended meaning. Pollyanna was the main character of a 1913 novel by American author Eleanor H. Porter (later becoming a movie in 1920, and still a later Disney version in 1960). Pollyanna made a game of being unfailingly optimistic to the point of refusal to recognize or acknowledge any negativity or difficulty. Being a Pollyanna is not a compliment. Christians are not Pollyannas. We do acknowledge that we are living in a world marred and tainted by hatred, greed, and sin. We are not ignorant of hatred, greed, and sin; we are dismayed by it. Yet we do not allow this to be the central focus of our daily lives.

Unfortunately, all too often we allow hatred, greed, and sin of others to push us into the background. We are too afraid of offending others or causing confrontations, so we fail to speak out and instead shrink back. As Christians we are called to be peacemakers, but working for peace is active not passive. It is hard work, necessary work, work that is unafraid to display the life and love of Christ in all we think, say, or do. Working for peace is bold, unashamed, and never timid or shy. Our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was not a Pollyanna and neither are we.

Psalm 34:14 (NLT)    Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Matthew 5:9 (NLT)   God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive our complacency regarding hatred, greed, and sin. You provide us with numerous opportunities to boldly and unashamedly display the life and love of Christ in all we think, say, and do. Embolden us to do the hard work, the necessary work, of seeking peace and pursuing it. Remind us that in a world saturated with troubles, Jesus Christ has overcome the world. We are His witnesses; we are His examples of life and love.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

John 16:33 (NIV)      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.

 

The devotional Christians are not Pollyannas appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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.

Pondering, Wondering, and Searching

Jeremiah 29:12-14    In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the LORD.

During my recent seven-month absence from writing, I have been pondering, wondering, and searching...

·         What is my purpose?
·         Am I being effective?
·         Am I missing something the LORD is trying to tell me?

In the process of all my pondering, wondering, and searching I have been reading the works of many other authors, including my own Write From My Heart devotional entries. Ironically, it was three of my own comments that shone like a flashing light to tug at my heart.

Second chances almost always require more work and effort. Wrongs must be set right. Repairs must be made. And many times the LORD requires travel down a path of hard work. Each of us may face our own challenges of setting past wrongs right and repairing what we have damaged. What work or effort will this require? It is different for each of us. All I know for sure is that the LORD will be with us every step of the way.

Instead of asking for your list of plans or wants to be fulfilled, ask God to provide the wisdom, courage, and strength to handle whatever He places in your pathway with grace and patience when needed. Ask God to open the doors He wants you to use, and to give you peace about the doors He closes.

It is not our outward appearance of Christianity that matters to our Heavenly Father. It is the condition of our heart—and He knows the difference. Check the condition of your heart.

What have I learned?

·         What is my purpose? The same as it has always been. To serve my Heavenly Father in whatever He asks me to do. To be useful in some way for Him.
·         Am I being effective? Why do I need to know that answer? All that is required of me is to be obedient; my Heavenly Father will evaluate the effectiveness of my obedience.
·         Am I missing something the LORD is trying to tell me? Until I listen more and talk less, I am always prone to miss something. Be still and know that [HE] is God.

After much pondering, wondering, and searching, I realize my prayer (first scratched into a journal December 19, 2016), remains basically the same with only a few updated alterations. You are welcome to join me in a similar prayer of your own, customized to how the LORD is working in your life.

Dear Heavenly Father,

            Help me to be obedient to whatever nudgings You place on my heart. Guide me in the diligent study of Your Word. Provide the measure of understanding You trust me to handle correctly. Provide the thoughts You want me to write for others to read. Open the doors You want me to use, and give me peace about the doors You close. I ask that in all things You receive all honor, glory, and praise. May Your will be accomplished and may I be useful to You.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Pondering, Wondering, and Searching appeared first on Write From My Heart at  https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations 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.

Closing a Chapter

Since 2014 I have thoroughly enjoyed writing devotionals and posting them on Write From My Heart https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  beginning with daily, then gradually slowing to Monday-Friday posts. While there were occasional dry spots during those years, for the most part I maintained a good schedule for writing currently having 630+ posts on wide variety of topics. With mixed emotions, I realize that it is time to close this chapter indefinitely. I leave you with my favorite passages:

Deuteronomy 7:6 and 9  The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people his treasured possession.   …  Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

Joshua 1:9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

1 Chronicles 16:11  Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

Isaiah 26:3-4  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.

Isaiah 41:10  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 55:6  Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            It is not easy to close this chapter of writing, but I know you are faithful and will guide and direct those who seek you. Bless those who took time to read Write From My Heart through the years, and who supported me with their kind encouraging words. I pray that you will raise up other writers who will continue the mission of encouraging others. Thank you for the blessings you have provided through the years. Most of all, thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Author’s Note:  Write From My Heart  https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com   will remain available and back issues will still be available to read. Those wishing to contact me may do so through my email for this blog:  Dotty Willmon  writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com which I check from time to time.

 

Thank you to all my Dear Readers! Blessings to you all!

But the LORD looks at the Heart

The Story: Chapter 11                         The Bible: 1 Samuel 15-16, 2 Samuel 22, Psalm 59

1 Samuel 15:26  Samuel said to Saul, “I will not go back with you, for you have rejected the LORD’s orders, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel!

            Saul has been rejected as king over Israel. Now Samuel is given the task of anointing Saul’s successor. It will be one of the sons of Jesse of Bethlehem, but which one? One by one Jesse’s sons come before Samuel. All are fine looking young men, tall, handsome, they seem to be a great choice. Yet God makes one thing clear:

1 Samuel 16:7  God does not view things the way people do.  People look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

            Throughout David’s leadership there were moments of obedience and disobedience, moments full of ups and downs. The difference for David was he knew where his heart belonged and that it belonged to the LORD God Almighty. He asked forgiveness when he sinned. He trusted God in times of peril. He praised God in times of prosperity or joy.  David’s prayers were always a reflection of his heart, and his heart reflected trust and praise for God.

2 Samuel 22:31-32  The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the LORD’s promise is reliable; he is a shield to all who take shelter in him. Indeed, who is God besides the LORD? Who is a protector besides our God?

Psalm 59:9, 16-17  You are my source of strength. I will wait for you. For God is my refuge. … As for me, I will sing about your strength; I will praise your loyal love in the morning. For you are my refuge and my place of shelter when I face trouble. You are my source of strength. I will sing praises to you. For God is my refuge, the God who loves me.

            It is not our outward appearance of Christianity that matters to our Heavenly Father. It is the condition of our heart and He knows the difference.

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:  Check the condition of your heart. Is it a heart that reflects trust and praise for God? Offer praise to your Heavenly Father for his faithfulness.

 

The devotional But the LORD looks at the Heart appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible^® http://netbible.com copyright © 1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

General format for WFMH devotionals will follow the pattern of chapters outlined in The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, M. Lucado & R. Frazee, Zondervan, 2005, 2008, 2011.