Write from My Heart

Friday, June 5, 2026

Confident Expectation

Romans 15:4-6, 13 ⁴For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and with encouragement they provide we might have hope. ⁵May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... ¹³May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How many of these phrases have you heard recently? I hope I win the lottery. I hope I get a raise. I hope I meet Mr. (or Mrs.) Right. These are common uses for the word hope. And yet, a quick check with a dictionary reveals that hope is actually wanting or wishing for something with “a feeling of confident expectation.” In other words, hope is believing with assurance that what we wish for will become a reality.

Today’s text reminds us that God is the true source of all hope. The hope spoken of in this text is the fulfillment of God’s promises. Contrary to some of the more frivolous earthly hopes mentioned above, the true desire and hope of every Christian should be the soon-coming return of Christ! This is the Blessed Hope for which we wait with patience and endurance. Oh that we would live with confident expectation that God’s promises will indeed become a reality! This is a call to renew our expectation and anticipation of Christ’s imminent return. What a difference this will make in our daily walk with Him!

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, in whom we live with confident expectation of that Blessed Hope, the promised and imminent Second Advent of Jesus Christ.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Confident Expectation was originally written for Tuesday, July 3, 2012; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog 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.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

More Than Peanut Butter

Romans 3:21-25 ²¹But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²²This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.

Dunedin Elementary School, FL, 1968, 5^th grade. I still recall doing quite an extensive report on George Washington Carver. I was particularly interested in all of his inventions and uses for the common peanut. Did you know that a small dab of peanut butter can remove sticky residue from labels? It’s true. Who could imagine with the wide variety of cleaning agents in the average household, that a small dab of peanut butter would work just as well to remove most sticky substances?

We are reminded in our text today that all of us are sinful creatures. Big sins—little sins… it makes no difference—we all have sin that needs removal. We need something far more than peanut butter or any of the world’s remedies. God has provided the solution we need. We have the gift of Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses us from all unrighteousness. The precious blood of Christ, which was shed for the remission of our sins, cleanses us from every tiny bit of sin’s sticky residue in our lives.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

We humbly thank you for the gift of salvation through your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive us where we fail you, and help us to keep our eyes focused on You.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion More Than Peanut Butter was originally written for Monday, May 28, 2012; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

All About Me

1 Corinthians 14:4, 6-12 ⁴Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. ... ⁶Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? ⁷Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? ⁸Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? ⁹So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. ¹⁰Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. ¹¹If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. ¹²So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

A few weeks ago I experienced one of those rare moments with “extra” time on my hands. Turning on television, I found a landscaping show with neighbors competing to build the best backyard. This neighbor needed a larger patio; that neighbor needed a garden retreat. Each person has their own needs; each need seemed more important than their neighbor’s need. Okay—enough. Let’s change the channel and try watching a cooking show. No, wait…it’s a race to see who can complete the best meal. This cook needs to win; that cook needs to win. How about home renovation shows? The home-owners have a great house…but it doesn’t meet their needs because the cabinets are the wrong color and the flooring is outdated. I was soon reminded of the reason I do not watch much television! Everything seemed so self-centered. With the exception of changes in topic; each show had a universal theme: All About Me.

Our Bible passage for today reminds us we are to focus on those things that edify the church. The two-fold topics of prophecy and tongues are challenging topics; ones that could and should take several hours of exploration to fully discern correct understanding. But the problem identified by Paul is universal, and still is problematic today: All About Me. Believers were using the more flashy gift of speaking in tongues to draw attention to themselves, rather than to edify the church. We must remember the ways of the world will always tempt us to focus on self—but the ways of the Lord teach us to focus on love, which includes encouraging, building up, and edifying others.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

May our lives be full of encouragement and love for others, and in so doing, may we be living witnesses for Thee.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion All About Me was originally written for Thursday, March 15, 2012; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Full Inclusion

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 ¹Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, ²To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: ³Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. ⁵For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—⁶God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. ⁷Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

During my teaching years, I was required to treat all students “the same.” I always found this a bit ironic since my students were all different and came into my classroom with various educational needs. I recognized the intent of the term “full inclusion” meant that all students should be able to learn in my classroom setting without being pulled out to separate classes for special needs. In an educational setting, this system works quite well for most lessons and for most students. Yet I also fully recognized that some students needed more assistance than others. That is called reality.

As Christians, we are all one in Christ. However, that does not give us full inclusion within the context of the worldly setting and influence. Today’s text reminds us that we are called to be God’s own Holy people—separate from the world. Through Christ, God has given us everything we need to remain faithful in spite the world’s secular influence. Ironically, some of us need more assistance to resist the world’s pull than others. How blessed we are that God is attentive to all of our needs.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for providing the strength we need each day to be your own Holy people and to resist the temptations of the world.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Full Inclusion was originally written for Wednesday, February 1, 2012; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, June 1, 2026

D-Words and T-Words

James 3:7-12 ⁷All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹²My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Years ago we had a little dachshund, and with some embarrassment I admit that our miniature dachshund, Flea, reduced conversation in our household to a system of code talking. For example, there were specific D-words and T-words. Flea’s ears would droop with disappointment to hear “Doodle,” meaning time to go outside. However “Treat” was a word that always resulted in happy yipping and tail-wagging.

As it was in Flea’s world, so it is in the human world. Each day we have opportunity to utter words—either to build one another up, or hurt one another. Our text for today reminds us how difficult it is to tame our tongue. I am reminded of a quote by Wentworth Dillon in Art of Poetry, “Words once spoke can never be recall’d.” We must choose our words carefully.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Soften our hearts, and in so doing, soften our words. Let our words encourage and lift up one another, spurring us on to do good work, and all the more as we await your soon return.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion D-Words and T-Words was originally written for Tuesday, January 10, 2012; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, May 29, 2026

Hope in the Lord

Psalm 130:1-5 ¹Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; ²Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. ³If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? ⁴But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. ⁵I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

As each year draws to a close, many people begin to formulate resolutions for the coming year. I once heard that the top resolution is the resolve to lose weight in the coming year. If I remember correctly that resolution is somewhere within the top 70 percent. For Christians, another resolution we often consider is one to renew our relationship with our Heavenly Father through personal devotions. Even with the best intentions we may falter and return to a sporadic devotional schedule. Why does this happen? Sometimes the answer is simply that we try to do it ourselves or within our own strength, and this seldom succeeds in the long term.

Our text for today is quite clear. If our Heavenly Father kept a record of our sins, how could we survive? He offers the forgiveness we need. He is our hope and our future. We can count on our Heavenly Father. If you resolve to deepen your daily spiritual life during the coming year, remember success comes when you place your hope in Him.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

How we praise you for the gift of redemption from every kind of sin! May our hope in you spur us onward to desire a closer walk within your will, and more dedication to the reading of your Word.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Hope in the Lord was originally written for Thursday, December 8, 2011; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Complacency is Hazardous to Your Health

Psalm 30:1-12 ¹I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. ²LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. ³You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. ⁴Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. ⁵For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. ⁶When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” ⁷LORD, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. ⁸To you, LORD, I called; to the LORD I cried for mercy: ⁹“What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? ¹⁰Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help.” ¹¹You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, ¹²that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

Most occupations have at least one modern characteristic in common—just about the time you think you have everything under control, new regulations and mandates arrive just in time to snap you out of potential complacency. Although frustrating at the time, these little jolts in our quotidian routines can serve a positive purpose in causing us to renew our focus on the task at hand.

In our text for today, we see David beginning and ending the psalm with praise to God. Notice the verses tucked neatly in the middle which convey the psalmist’s warning. When everything seemed under control, David was jolted out of his complacency by the realization that he was no longer living within the favor of the Lord. We, too, realize that veering off course even just a few degrees can gradually cause a complete U-turn to occur. With the psalmist we can praise God that his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! When life lulls us into a state of complacency, God’s faithfulness brings true thanksgiving.

O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Thank you for the times when you shake us out of our complacency. Although we may not recognize it at the time, we humbly and gratefully thank you for your forgiveness and faithfulness.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Complacency is Hazardous to Your Health was originally written for Monday, November 28, 2011; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Many Moods with One Response

Psalm 59:16-17 ¹⁶But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ¹⁷Your are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

When you feel discouraged; sing praises to God, for He protects. When you feel disheartened; sing praises to God, for He gives joy. When you feel lonely; sing praises to God, for He comforts. When you feel lost or in need; sing praises to God, for He provides. When you feel exhausted; sing praises to God, for He refreshes. When you feel abandoned; sing praises to God, for He defends. When you feel unsettled or uncertain; sing praises to God, for He keeps His word. When you feel weak; sing praises to God, for He is strong. When you feel doubt; sing praises to God, for He saves. When you feel overwhelmed; sing praises to God, for He is mighty.

Sing praises to God and to his name! Praise be to God!

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

You know everything we face in our daily lives, both joyful and stressful. No matter what our circumstances might be on this day, we pause and praise you for your faithfulness.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Many Moods with One Response was originally written for Wednesday, September 14, 2011; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com