Write from My Heart

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Inexcusable - But not Unforgivable

Romans 3:23 (NLT) For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

James 4:17 (NLT) Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

1 John 1:8 (NLT) If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.

Romans 14:23b (NLT) But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat [do] something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

These are not obscure passages. Most of us know them, yet somehow, we tuck them away in the back of our minds. They are uncomfortable passages. These verses remind us that sin is not just doing wrong things, but it is also failing to do right things. Most of us are familiar with the classic definition of sin (Gk. and Heb. hamartia or hātā) ‘missing the mark’. We have trained ourselves to understand that when we sin it is because we somehow ‘missed the mark’ of God’s Will and Way for our lives.

All sin is inexcusable. Why? Because all sin separates us from our relationship with God. It is this depth to sin that we seldom explore. It’s not just doing wrong things, or not doing right things. The devastation of sin – all sin – any sin – is that it hinders our relationship with God.

Isaiah 59:2 (NLT) It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

Psalm 66:18 (NLT) If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

Praise be to our loving, merciful, and gracious God for he does not leave us in our sinful state without any hope or possibility of remediation. Our sin is inexcusable – but not unforgivable!

Psalm 66:19-20 (NLT) ¹⁹But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. ²⁰Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

Proverbs 15:29 (NLT) The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

Romans 5:8 (NLT) But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

1 John 1:9 (NLT) 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.

Isaiah 43:25 (NLT) I – yes, I alone – will blot our your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.

Psalm 130:3-4 (NLT) ³LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? ⁴But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.

Lord God Almighty, our Father;

Thank you, that in love you prepared a way for our Salvation. Thank you for the gift of Christ’s death on the cross and his glorious resurrection that paves the way for our forgiveness of sins. We acknowledge that our sins, all sins, separate us from you and place a wedge in our relationship with you. But with humble and contrite hearts we thank you for the gracious act of forgiveness you offer to any who call upon your Name.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Inexcusable – But not Unforgivable 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.

Special courtesy thank you to Dr. Joe Barnett for providing the idea for today's title.

Monday, October 5, 2026

Failing - But not a Failure

Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT) ²³The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. ²⁴Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

We are human. We make mistakes, blunders, errors. Some of us seem to have a tougher time than others with challenges and times of testing. We fail often. Yet, we are not failures!

I’m not sure why it is that some face challenges and times of testing more often or seemingly face more difficult than others... but I do know this: Our God is a loving and compassionate God. He will never leave us nor abandon us. Difficult times may weaken and distress us for a time; but God is with us, supporting us, loving us, providing the strength we need to persevere in each and every situation. We are not failures!

I am reminded of the apostle Paul who comforted the Corinthians by sharing his own difficulties with what he referred to as his ‘thorn in the flesh’. We are not told what that specific problem or malady was, and that is not Paul’s point. Paul’s point is found in his response:

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NLT) ⁸Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. ⁹Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

We may never reach the place where we are able to ‘boast in our weakness’, but with prayer and perseverance we can reach the peace that comes with understanding Who provides our daily strength. We are not failures!

Psalm 73:26 (NLT) My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Lord God Almighty, our Father;

We are human and you are well aware of all our failings. You know each mistake we make. You know each challenge or hardship we face. Through it all, you love us, you never abandon us, and you provide the daily strength we need to face each situation. We ask forgiveness for the times we fail; and although we fail many times, in your eyes we are never failures. With humble and contrite hearts we thank you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Failing – But not a Failure appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Special courtesy thank you to Dr. Joe Barnett for providing the idea for today's title.

Friday, October 2, 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 again find him sitting in dust and ashes; but the difference is now there is humility and repentance. But now I understand; but now I see...

Lord God Almighty, our 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 February 6, 2026 on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com As the original author, I reserve the right to update, edit, and republish.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, October 1, 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)

Lord God Almighty, our 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.

The devotional The LORD’s Response appeared first February 5, 2026 on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com As the original author, I reserve the right to update, edit, and republish.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 30, 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 – simultaneously – He does not hop, skip and jump between ages!

Exodus 3:14 (NLT) God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” [literal translation: ‘I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE’!]

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 – only then, do we catch a glimpse of true wisdom. Our response can be nothing less than to forsake (e.g., shun, put away, have nothing to do with) anything that is evil or anything that might cause us to fall short of God’s desire for us as his faithful people; for only then, does real understanding begin.

Lord God Almighty, our 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 Almighty Father, followed by true obedience.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional True Wisdom and Real Understanding appeared first February 4, 2026 on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com As the original author, I reserve the right to update, edit, and republish.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Treasure God's Word

Job 23:10-12 But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. for I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.

The Psalmist hides God’s Word within his heart to keep himself from sin (Ps. 119:11), and he asks God to open his eyes to understand those wonderful truths contained within (Ps. 119:18). Joshua repeated the command to study God’s Word (i.e., Book of Instruction) continually and meditate on it day and night so we might obey everything written in it (Joshua 1:8). Paul reminds Timothy that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful for our instruction (2 Timothy 3:16). John reminds us that we are never to add to God’s Word or take anything away from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19). To Job, whose bodily condition was unable to take in food or drink, God’s Word was his daily nourishment and sustenance.

Perhaps it is time to take our Bible off the shelf, dust it off, and use it daily.

Lord God Almighty, our Father;

Your Word is precious for it teaches us, corrects us, and sustains us. Create within us a new and deeper desire to read from its pages daily. Open the eyes of our understanding to the wonderful truths it contains. Grant us the amount of wisdom and understanding you trust us to handle your Word correctly. Teach us to treasure Your Word.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Treasure God’s Word appeared first February 3, 2026 on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com As the original author, I reserve the right to update, edit, and republish.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, September 28, 2026

My Redeemer Lives

Job 19:25-27 (NLT) But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!

Scores of interpretations exist for this passage. Some lead to truthful doctrines, some lead to doctrines generated and contrived by man to promote their own conceptions and agendas. As for me, I like to lean on the simple and uncomplicated truths of God’s Word.

Job is currently enduring pain and suffering unlike anything most of us could imagine. His helpful friends are not so helpful. At one point he even admonishes them, “If only you would keep completely silent! For you, that would be wisdom,” (Job 13:5, NLT).

Job realizes that should his current circumstances remain unchanged, death will occur soon; his human body cannot last much longer. Yet Job never loses sight of his Redeemer; the LORD God Almighty. His Redeemer will be the ultimate Victor and Vindicator who will stand upon the earth at the Last of all Time. Job will not have to rely on the “eyes” of anyone else; he himself will know, see, and understand God for Who is truly IS. And Job is completely overwhelmed at this thought.

Lord God Almighty, our Father;

Sometimes our own struggles in life can seem disheartening to us. Yet through it all, we never lose sight of You – our Redeemer, our Victor, and our Vindicator. We know you are coming again soon! Until then, whether we are asleep in death, or whether we are alive and remain – we will know You, see You, and understand You individually and personally. Our hearts are overwhelmed at the thought! We praise You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional My Redeemer Lives appeared first February 2, 2026 on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com As the original author, I reserve the right to update, edit, and republish.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, September 25, 2026

Purposeless Drama

Matthew 4:25 – 5:2 (NLT) ^4:25Large crowds followed him wherever he went – people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. ^5:1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, ²and he began to teach them.

Throughout my life I have carried the mental image of thousands of people crowding up the side of the mountain where Jesus taught the throngs the Beatitudes. Why? Because that’s what I’ve always heard, and that’s what I’ve always been taught, and that’s what all my childhood coloring pages depicted. Indeed, large crowds did follow Jesus everywhere he went. But Jesus also knew that his disciples would one day be the ones teaching people, and he knew the importance of giving them direct teaching and instruction. Read the verses above again. The disciples gathered around Jesus, and Jesus taught the disciples. In today’s ‘teacher talk’ we would call it ‘small group instruction’. Yes, perhaps there were others present or within hearing range, but Jesus was personally instructing those who would continue his mission and ministry.

On this occasion, Jesus taught the basic Beatitudes, but he also taught many other topics as well. One of the many other areas of instruction was to avoid purposeless drama. Don’t announce your generosity to the world; give privately what the Lord lays on your heart. Don’t show off in public with loudly verbose prayers or repetitive chants; seek your Father in private.

The Simple Truth:

Matthew 6:1-8 (NLT) ¹Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. ²When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do – blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. ³But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. ⁴Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything will reward you. ⁵When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. ⁶But 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. ⁷When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. ⁸Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

Dear Lord, our Gracious Father God,

Thank you for the teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Thank you for providing your Word and the example of the disciples who listened carefully and thoughtfully and taught others; may we do the same. Father God, you honor the heart that is honest and humble. Keep us from purposeless drama that seeks attention; keep us focused on your Will and Way.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Purposeless Drama 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, September 24, 2026

Turtles and Ostriches

Okay, brace yourself – I’m going to say the word –here it comes – ‘doctrine’. Whew! There, I said it. All jesting aside, when some Christians hear the word ‘doctrine’ they become as turtles drawing their head back into their shells, or become as ostriches hiding their heads in the sand – thus, the title for today. We become so fearful, we tell ourselves that we don’t want to ‘offend’ anyone, we don’t want to ‘hurt anyone’s feelings’, we don’t want to ‘get into an argument’ because we wouldn’t know what to say or what scriptures to use. Yet we are commanded as Christians to know our doctrine, and the reasons why, and to teach it to all generations. Do you know what you believe, and does it align with Scripture? Or is it just what you’ve always been told to believe; what you’ve always been taught; or what you’ve always heard? There is a difference. The hard reality is that not all doctrine taught in modern churches is founded in Scripture.

The Simple Truth:

1 Timothy 4:16 and 6:20-21 (NIV) ^4:16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. ^6:20...guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, ²¹which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

1 Timothy 4:16 and 6:20-21 (NLT) ^4:16Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. ^6:20...guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussion with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. ²¹Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.

Dear Lord, our Heavenly Father,

Forgive our negligence of your Word. Forgive us for believing everything we hear without seeking your Word for guidance. Renew within us a heart for knowing you through your written Scriptures.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Turtles and Ostriches 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.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

By the Grace of God

There seems to be a resurgence of the phrase, “I Yam What I Yam... and that’s all that I Yam!”, along with any number of it’s variations. A word of caution is definitely needed! This quote was famously spoken by Popeye the Sailor Man – the original comic strip character creation of E.C. Seger and later popularized in the Fleisher Studios cartoon version, both from the early 1930’s. Tragic that so few understand the heart of its message is the concept of self-acceptance, pride in self, and self-sufficiency. It is the world’s philosophy – of “me, myself, and I” - and absolutely NOT what Apostle Paul was trying to teach!

Paul counted himself as the worst of sinners because of his past, unworthy in every respect – except by the Grace of God – who in mercy and loved saved him from his past; called him to his work; and guided him in every endeavor.

The Simple Truth:

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 (NLT) ⁹For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. ¹⁰But whatever I am now _{[KJV & NIV ‘I am what I am’]}, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me – and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

Dear Lord, our Heavenly Father,

Forgive our proclivity to absorb the world’s teaching of ‘all things self’. Thank you for the example of Apostle Paul who acknowledges we are nothing without you. We are only who we are through your mercy and grace. We ask you to work in us, through us, and in spite of us. We offer you all the praise and glory due your Name.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional By the Grace of God appeared first on Write From My Heart at

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com