Write from My Heart

Monday, March 9, 2026

The LORD Does Great Things

Psalm 125:4 (NIV) ⁴LORD, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.

Psalm 126:3 (NIV) ³The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Sometimes when reading similar scriptures I discover interesting word selection that captures my attention. In today’s passage we find another clue to the amazing attribute of God’s generosity.

The psalmist’s first prayer is a request for the LORD to do good to those who are good. The well-worn 1965 Webster’s on my desk defines good as something favorable or highly desired. However, what captures my attention is not the human request for something favorable; I am struck with awe at the LORD’s generous response. He does not merely respond by doing something good; the LORD responds by doing great things; i.e., things remarkable in magnitude; things markedly superior to any good thing we might imagine.

Take a moment to let that sink in. Too often we think we have things figured out and we pray for this solution or that result—for something good to happen. Perhaps it is time to trust God’s response for he knows the best possible solution.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

So many times we bring our requests to you expecting something good. Yet if we are patient and if we place our trust in you, we catch a glimpse of the great things you have planned for us. Your generosity—your way and your plans—are far superior to anything we could imagine; for your plans include a future in your Kingdom. Thank you for hearing our prayers. We are filled with joy.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, March 6, 2026

A Good Word

Philemon v. 25 (NIV) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Years ago I remember a former Pastor concluding his messages with The Giving of a Good Word; his prayer of benediction for the congregation; perhaps more commonly known to us as the Levitical Blessing.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) ²⁴The LORD bless you and keep you; ²⁵the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; ²⁶the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Throughout the New Testament writings, particularly the epistles, we often find that the concluding words offer a good word of encouragement and peace to the listeners. Paul also frequently ended his letters with a good word. Here are just a few examples from the New Testament:

Matthew 28:20b (NIV)_{[words of Jesus]} “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV) May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Ephesians 6:23-24 (NIV) ²³Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV) Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Revelation 22:21 (NIV) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

We may have no idea what our friends’ challenges might be. However, ending conversations and visits with a good word to others brings encouragement and hope.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for those who encourage us. May we also make every effort to offer good words of encouragement and hope to others.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, March 5, 2026

A Good Reason

Philemon v. 22 (NIV) And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

How wonderful it is to anticipate visits from friends or family. As soon as we receive word, we busy ourselves with cooking and cleaning to make sure everything is “just right” for their arrival. In our passage today, Paul tells Philemon to make preparations, and for a very good reason; Paul hopes to visit Philemon soon.

There is another event which gives every Christian a good reason to prepare. This event will come suddenly and without warning. Although the specific date is unknown, each person must begin preparations now; stay alert; be ready.

2 Peter 3:10-16 (NIV) ¹⁰But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. ¹¹Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹²as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. ¹⁴So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. ¹⁵Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. ¹⁶He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters.

We have a good reason to prepare—the best reason possible—Christ will come again—soon!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the promise of the Second Advent when Jesus Christ will return to claim his faithful ones. Remind us that the reason for your delay is to allow time for others to choose to follow you. Renew in us the urgency of the expectation of Christ’s return.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

A Good Job

Philemon v. 21 (NIV) ²¹Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

My husband has a tough cross to bear because he lives with a retired schoolteacher. He laughs at my annoying habit of correcting the misuse of good and well especially when I hear it from news reporters or read it in articles...from people who should know the difference. If the quality of the job we do is good, then we have performed well. Which brings us to today’s thoughts. Today we add another level; do a good job; perform it well; and go above and beyond what is required.

In today’s passage we find that Paul holds high expectations with complete confidence in Philemon to both obey and to go above and beyond Paul’s expectations. Paul has no concern about the quality of Philemon’s ability to complete any task asked of him. Philemon’s reputation gives Paul both confidence and assurance in a good job done well.

“I do the very best I know, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.” –Abraham Lincoln

“Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.” –Philip Stanhope, 4^th Earl of Chesterfield, 1774

“Do all the good you can – By all the means you can – In all the ways you can – In all the places you can – At all the times you can –To all the people you can – As long as ever you can.” –mantra written and practiced by John Wesley

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive our human tendency to give the minimum service with the talents and abilities you have so graciously given to us. Create in us a heart that desires to do a good job, to do it well, and to go above and beyond in our service for you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

A Good Man

Philemon vs. 8-17 (NIV)_excerpts ...¹⁰I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. ¹¹Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. ¹²I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. ... ¹⁵Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—¹⁶no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. ¹⁷So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

Have you ever tried to remove the sticky label from a jar? Isn’t it frustrating when remnants of the label are still adhered to the surface? Years ago, I learned that a small dab of peanut butter would remove those sticky remnants of adhesive better than most advertised products. The fact is, we all carry a label...we are all sinners.

Romans 3:23 ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

For each of us, it is the blood of Jesus Christ that removes the label of “sin” from our lives. The blood of Christ removes every trace of that sticky label. We become a new person with a new purpose for life.

In today’s passage, we see the life of Onesimus changed from slavery to fellow saint. Research tells us the name Onesimus actually means useful. How interesting to discover this good man was useful in both name and action. As the blood of Christ cleanses you, and creates in you a new person, what new purposes will you find in which to be useful?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of your Son, whose blood cleanses us from every trace of the sticky label “sin” we bear. We ask that you work within us by your Spirit to show us the ways in which we might be useful for your Kingdom.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, March 2, 2026

A Good Reputation

Philemon vs.4-7 (NIV) ⁴I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, ⁵because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. ⁶I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. ⁷Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

It can be amusing when someone unknown to us is introduced to us, and their first words are, “Oh yes, I’ve heard a lot about you.” Our typical response is to grin sheepishly and reply, “I hope it’s all good!”

That moment reinforces the concept that true character is something you are when no one is watching. Our reputations are built during times we are aware; but also during times we are unaware. As Christians, we remember that others are watching our reactions and responses to life’s daily challenges. Not only this, but others also watch to see how we interact with one another.

In today’s passage, Philemon is acknowledged as a person who “refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” Can you think of a better reputation to have than to be known as someone who refreshes the hearts of others?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the times you have refreshed our hearts through others when we needed it most. Now work in our own heart; give us the mind and opportunity to refresh the hearts of others in need. Remind us that we are a reflection of your love in a world who desperately needs you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, February 27, 2026

Habakkuk's Prayer

Habakkuk 3:2, 16b, 18-19a (NIV) ²LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. ... ^16bYet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. ... ¹⁸yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. ^19aThe Sovereign LORD is my strength...

There is no other more appropriate response Habakkuk can offer to the LORD. He has made his complaint; twice. The LORD has patiently responded; twice. Habakkuk knows Judah will receive their just consequences for their disobedience to God at the hands of the Babylonians. It will be an awful consequence and one that is hard to bear. And yet, in God’s mercy, he will also tend to the ruthless Babylonians, for they too, will meet a similar fate. Yet through it all, Habakkuk finds his strength in his Sovereign LORD; he will rejoice in God, his Savior. There can be no better response.

Dear friends, we may not know what circumstances await us. God’s wisdom is far beyond our own. We can rest in the confidence that God sees all and knows all. He hears every prayer we offer, and he is faithful to respond in his timing according to his will. We find our strength in him, and in his strength, we find joy in times of challenge.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for hearing our prayers. You know what circumstances go before us. We ask for your guidance and your strength to trust your wisdom.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, February 26, 2026

The LORD's Answer, Again

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NIV) ²Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. ³For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Habakkuk gets his answer. The LORD will take care of the ruthless Babylonians. The next 16 verses in our modern Bibles (Habakkuk 2:4-19) give reliable testimony as to how the whole matter will turn out. To note just a few details:

· the enemy [Babylonians] are puffed up (v. 4)

· their desires are not upright (v. 4, c.f., Isaiah 57:17)

· they profit unjustly from plundering other nations, including Judah (vs. 8-10)

· all their efforts will go up in smoke; their work will be for nothing (vs. 12-13)

· soon it will be their turn for destruction (vs. 8, 16)

Habakkuk knew then, as we know now, the LORD God Almighty keeps his word. History bears this to be true, for in 539_BC, approximately 47 years later, the Babylonians fell to the Persians.

And one more side note, remember Habakkuk’s question as to whether the LORD could sit back quietly and watch the plight of his people? How humble he must have been to hear the LORD’s rebuke:

Habakkuk 2:20 ²⁰The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You are the God who sees everything. Your wisdom is beyond human understanding. We humble ourselves before you and cry out, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you,” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Forgive us where we fail you, and cleanse us from every wrong.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Habakkuk's Second Complaint

Habakkuk 1:12-13, 17 (NIV) ¹²LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, LORD have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. ¹³Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? ... Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?

Habakkuk presented his first complaint to the LORD; he asked for justice on behalf of the nation of Judah. The LORD warned Habakkuk that he would act; but that Habakkuk wouldn’t believe it even if you were told (c.f., v.5). How could Habakkuk possibly have imagined that God would send justice to Judah in the form of the ruthless Babylonians? This seems to be too much for Habakkuk to mentally process; he is overwhelmed as evidenced by his response.

To be clear, I am never a fan of loose paraphrases. But I can almost imagine the barrage of questions invading Habakkuk’s mind. LORD, my Rock, you are Holy...you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Can you really allow the ruthless and barbaric Babylonians to swallow up your people? Can you really sit back silently and watch the Babylonians destroy Judah? How far will the destruction go? Will there be any mercy?

Yet even in this, Habakkuk knows Who is in charge. Habakkuk knows the omniscience and omnipresence of the LORD God Almighty. Nothing is hidden from God’s sight. Habakkuk knows to wait for the LORD’s response.

1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) ⁹...acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought.

Psalm 11:4 (NIV) ⁴The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.

Psalm 24:1 (NIV) ¹The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

Psalm 33:13-15 (NIV) ¹³From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; ¹⁴from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—¹⁵he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

Hebrews 4:13 (NIV) ¹³Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Habakkuk 2:1 (NIV) ¹I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You hear every prayer we offer to you. You are faithful to respond in your own way and in your own timing. Grant us patience to wait for you, especially in those times we lack understanding; for you know what is best.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

The LORD's Answer

Habakkuk 1:5-7, 11 (NIV) ⁵Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. ⁶I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own. ⁷They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor. ... ¹¹Then they sweep past like the wind and go on—guilty people, whose own strength is their god.

First, we should note that this is a directive for the whole nation of Judah, not just Habakkuk. Second, we should note that the LORD always does what he says he will do.

Deuteronomy 10:17 (NIV) ¹⁷For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.

Deuteronomy 32:3-4 (NIV) ³I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! ⁴He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Job 42:1-2 (NIV) ¹Then Job replied to the LORD: ²“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Psalm 33:4, 11-12a (NIV) ⁴For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. ... ¹¹But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. ^12aBlessed is the nation whose God is the LORD...

Isaiah 14:24 (NIV) ²⁴The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”

Isaiah 55:8, 11 (NIV) ⁸“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. ... ¹¹so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

The LORD revealed to Habakkuk that he would send the Babylonians to conquer the disobedient nation of Judah; the nation who refused to serve the LORD God Almighty and him alone; the nation who repeatedly sought after the gods of the nations around them. The LORD kept his word, for history tells us that Judah was indeed conquered by the Babylonians in 586_BC.

If there can be any “take away” or lesson to be learned today, it is that the LORD keeps his Word. Our Heavenly Father does not use idle words nor empty threats. When he warns people to have no other gods except him, alone; he means it. When he offers salvation through the sacrifice of his only, Son, Jesus Christ; he keeps his word. When he tells us that Jesus Christ is the only way to the promise of redemption and the blessed hope of restoration; God means what he says.

John 3:16-17 (NIV) ¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 6:40 (NIV) ⁴⁰For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.

Romans 3:22-25 (NIV) 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.

Romans 10:9-10, 13 (NIV) ⁹If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ... ¹³for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being the only, one true and living LORD God Almighty. Although we fall short of your will and plans in so many ways; we are so humbly thankful for the mercy and grace you show us. Thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank you that we can always depend upon the truth of your Word.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com