Write from My Heart

Monday, February 16, 2026

A Lesson from Hagar

Our story begins with the distress of Sarai over her inability to give her husband, Abram, a son. As was the custom of the day, she presented her handmaid, Hagar, to Abram in order to give Abram the opportunity of offspring. However as soon as Hagar realizes she is pregnant she begins to despise her mistress, and in turn, Sarai mistreats Hagar to the point Hagar can no longer bear. Hagar runs away to the desert where she is soon visited.

Genesis 16:7-8 (NIV) ⁷The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. ⁸and he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.

Notice the questioning does not begin with “Who are you?”, because the angel of the LORD already knows who she is. He also is very aware of where she is from and what she is doing. The questioning seems to be a test of honesty. Hagar’s response was an honest one; “I’m running away...” The messenger is just as honest in his response. He confirms Hagar is pregnant, and he blesses her with the promise of many descendants. He gives her instructions for the child’s name, Ishmael, which means, “God hears.” But he also cautions her that Ishmael will be “a wild donkey of a man (v 12). Hagar is further instructed to return to her mistress and continue her responsibilities of service.

What small lesson can we glean from this story? Through the story of Hagar we catch a glimpse of the Big Story of the Bible; we see the Fall in both Hagar’s attitude and Sarai’s response. We see the Redemption in the promise of a child, and the Restoration of Hagar to return home. What was Hagar’s response?

Genesis 16:13 (NIV) ¹³She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

How does this relate to us today? Our Heavenly Father knows us by name. He knows who we are, where we have come from, what we are doing, and what we are running away from. He seeks our honest answers. He is always ready to forgive and offer us redemption through his Son, Jesus Christ. He is gracious and merciful in restoring us to new life in Christ.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You know us completely. You know our concerns. You know the attitudes of our hearts. Yet you are so gracious to forgive and restore. Thank you for being the God Who Sees.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, February 13, 2026

Strength in the LORD

1 Samuel 30:6b (NIV) But David found strength in the LORD his God.

2 Samuel 22:31-33 (NIV) As for God, his way is perfect: the LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

In times of crisis, David found strength in the LORD. In times of rejoicing, David found strength in the LORD. What better lesson could there be for us today?

In times of crisis, we find our strength in the LORD. In times of rejoicing, we find our strength in the LORD.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You are our Rock and the strength that keeps us secure through all of life’s challenges. In times of crisis, we thank you for the strength you provide. In times of rejoicing we thank you for the strength you provide.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Keep Watch and Be Ready

John 13:7 (NIV) Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

John 13:19 (NIV) “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.”

John 14:29 (NIV) “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

At different times in his ministry, and for various reasons, Jesus told the disciples in advance things he wanted them to know and understand, and recall at a later time. Jesus explained his reason for washing their feet; that in regard to being a servant, they would not understand until later. Jesus told them in advance that he would be betrayed so that they might know and understand who Jesus was and they would believe. Jesus told them in advance that he would leave them in order that the Holy Spirit would come and that in the meantime they should not lose hope.

Jesus’ words during his ministry also included a message to us today...

Matthew 24:42, 44 (NIV) “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” ... “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

When Jesus speaks, he means what he says, and his words will not fail. Jesus has told us in advance that he will come again. We are to keep watch and be ready!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you, dear Lord, that in advance you prepared for our salvation. Thank you, dear Lord, that in advance you have promised to return. May we keep watch and be ready.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Taking a Stroll Through Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 5:29, 32-33 and 6:5, 13a (NIV) Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! ... So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. ... Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ... Fear the LORD your God, serve him only...

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NIV) And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

Deuteronomy 13:4 (NIV) It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Deuteronomy 26:16-17 (NIV) The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him.

Deuteronomy 28:1, 10, 13b-14 (NIV) If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. ... Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. ... If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.

Dear Reader, if it is your custom to scroll quickly through the scriptures provided and jump down to the written text; I encourage you to go back and read each text carefully and thoughtfully. There is very little that needs to be added by way of commentary. What God required of his people then is what God still requires of us today:

· love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your mind; with every fiber of your being

· serve only the LORD your God, and do not turn aside to follow any other man-made, human-generated, nor self-proclaimed god; nor the current “religions” of the world

· walk in obedience to the LORD your God; fully trusting and obeying him

· maintain a reverent fear and honor for the LORD your God

Gracious Heavenly Father,

All you have ever asked of your people was love, faithfulness, and obedience. That is all you ask of us today: to love you, to be faithful to you, and to obey you. Thank you for forgiveness offered through your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Life Challenges

Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NIV) 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. ... For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Challenges in life come in many forms, shapes, sizes and length or duration of time. Our prayer list at church grows longer each week and we remember every precious name in prayer. Meanwhile, many of us face our own challenges as well. Perhaps there are medical concerns, both new and continued. Perhaps financial stress. Perhaps it is the miles that separate us from our loved ones. I do not know what challenges you may be facing in this current season of life; but I know this... our loving Heavenly Father is faithful and he will go with us through each challenge no matter what it is or how long it lasts. God is the one who strengthens us and provides the courage we need to persevere.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You know each and every one of the life challenges we face. You know our financial concerns. You know our health concerns. You know our family concerns. You know all of our struggles. Yet the one constant we have is You. You go with us; you lead us; you guide us; you comfort us; you give us courage and strength just when we need it most. Thank you for your presence in our lives.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, February 9, 2026

How well are we doing?

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) ⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Today’s text has been the foundation for countless sermons, lessons, and exposés. I count myself as among the least qualified to ever critique any church, but yet sometimes I cannot help but take a sneak peek at how well we are doing.

The early church was a church of fellowship. What I find interesting is that this is not the first quality mention, yet is the first quality present in most churches today. We have the “fellowship thing” down to a science as they say. Most churches have no lack of fellowship groups and opportunities. Hear me well, this is a great quality for any church of Christian believers! However, fellowship is not the primary function of a church.

Notice some of the other qualities and characteristics: the early church was a learning church; a praying church; a reverent church; and a worshiping church. I have heard is said that a wasted day is a day when we fail to learn something new or fail to delve deeper into something we thought we knew. Christian churches often do well today with the presentation of sermons, messages, and opportunities to learn; yet for Christians today with access to their own Bibles we might add the responsibility of personal study and growth. The early church was devoted to prayer. Just like those early Christians, we too, realize that we cannot meet life circumstances in our own strength and that we do not need to. We can meet life’s challenges with more courage, when we meet with our Heavenly Father first in prayer. When we consider reverence as fear built upon a deep sense of awe, we live in reverence to God because we know the whole earth (not just the church building) is the temple of the living God. Everywhere we go and everything we do should reflect our reverence for our Heavenly Father.

When I stop to think about our churches today in respect to being a place of worship; I pause. There are some churches today that give the sense of attending a rock band concert—everything is for show and entertainment—lights, camera, action! There are some churches today that give the sense of ritualistic roboticism—we follow the script, the same script, and nothing but the script. Somehow I wonder if either of those extremes can truly qualify as worship. Worship is not about us or our needs; it is about giving our Heavenly Father all the glory, honor, and praise due to Him alone.

The early church was a caring church; a sharing church; and a happy church. As a body of believers, we can do everything “right;” we can fellowship, we can learn, we can pray, we can be reverent, and we can worship. All of this will only meet our own needs, and means little if we fail to reach out to others and bring them in. A church that cares for others and shares with those in need; a church that participates in ministries of various kinds, is a church on the right tract of reflecting the love of God to a world in desperate need of love. This leads to being a happy church. The thought comes to my mind that a gloomy Christian is an oxymoron—a contradiction in terms.

Dear Readers, I have no idea what your church affiliation might be, but I would leave you with this question; If you sense your church is not on the right track in some way, if you feel there is room for improvement in some area, what are YOU doing to make a difference?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the example of the early Christian church. Our world is so different now, but we realize these foundational truths remain the same; we are to be loving, caring, sharing, learning, praying, worshiping, in total reverence to You. Show us the areas in our own church that are not on track, and give us motivation to improve. May everything we think, say, and do be to Your honor and glory.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, February 6, 2026

But Now I See

Greetings, dear Readers! This week I would like to share with you some of my favorite passages from Job—a man who was truly tested; whose helpful friends were not so helpful; but a man who never lost sight of his Redeemer.

Job 42:1-6 (NLT) Then Job replied to the LORD: I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?” It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, “Listen, and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.

How easy it is for us to expound on things which we really do not know nor fully understand. This was Job’s admission, too. Job spoke of many things, and many things were beyond his comprehension. Something different occurred with this exchange between Job and the LORD. This humbling experience was real; not hearsay; not passed down from someone else; this was real. Now Job knows, sees, and understands for himself the wonder of the LORD.

When the Book of Job opens, we find him sitting in dust and ashes with a myriad of questions and explanations. When the Book of Job closes, we find him sitting in dust and ashes in humility and repentance. But now I understand; but now I see...

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the life of Job and the lessons we learn about true humility and repentance. Thank you for opening our eyes to catch a glimpse of your amazing qualities and lovingkindness.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional But Now I See 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, February 5, 2026

The LORD's Response

Job 38:1, 31-33 (NLT) Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: ...Can you direct the movement of the stars—binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Can you direct the constellations through the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth?

One of my most favorite childhood memories of time Dad and I shared were the times when we would slip outside at night and gaze at the skies. Dad would point out various constellations. We would stand in awe of God’s magnificent creation. We would talk. But we would always end our nighttime sky experiences with our voices joined in the hymn so often sung by George Beverly Shea:

My Father is omnipotent and that you can’t deny;

a God of might and miracles; ‘tis written in the sky.

It took a miracle to put the stars in place;

It took a miracle to hang the world in space.

But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole;

It took a miracle of love and grace!

It Took A Miracle, (John W. Peterson, 1948)

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You are the God of miracles and your wonders never cease. Every detail of your creation is a beacon of light that points to You. But the greatest miracle of all was your plan to offer us the gift of life through the sacrifice of your only Son. Truly a miracle of love and grace! Mere words can never express our humble gratitude for such a gift. We thank you by giving You our faithfulness. It is the only thing we have to offer.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

True Wisdom and Real Understanding

Job 28:23-28 (NLT) God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found, for he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens. He decided how hard the winds should blow and how much rain should fall. He made the laws for the rain and laid out a path for the lightning. Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it. He set it in place and examined it thoroughly. And this is what he says to all humanity: “The fear of the LORD is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”

Omnipotent God is all powerful!

Omniscient God is all knowing!

Omnipresent God is present in all places at all times, past, present, future!

True wisdom belongs to God alone. God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Only as we begin to grasp the knowledge of Who God truly IS—to acknowledge His attributes—do we catch a glimpse of true wisdom. Our response can only be to forsake (e.g., shun, put away) anything that is evil or anything that might cause us to fall short of God’s desire for us as his faithful people, and only then does real understanding begin.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We are humbled to our core when we realize Who you are. We ask forgiveness for the many ways we fall short of your desire for us. Teach us to understand that our only response can be total respect, reverence and fear of You, our Gracious Heavenly Father.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Today's Post Has Been Updated

Dear Readers,

Thank you for noticing the error in today's post. Apparently I accidentally posted yesterday's entry twice. The error has been corrected, and I truly appreciate the "heads up" to get it fixed. The rest of this week should flow smoothly as we continue with some of my favorite passages from Job.

Blessings to you all and thank you for reading!