Write from My Heart

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Trust and Obey then Practice and Teach

Matthew 5:17-20 (NIV) ¹⁷Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Our scripture passage explains that Christ came to fulfill the Law. History reveals that Scribes and Pharisees busied themselves by creating thousands of rules designed to define the parameters of Jewish Law. This is much too broad of a topic for a short devotional. So what can we learn within a few sentences? Perhaps it is sufficient for our purposes to realize that the heart and intent of all biblical laws carries the theme of reverent obedience to God.

Christ came to earth in reverent obedience to the will of God for the purpose of becoming our means of salvation. No other sacrifice could be sufficient. This was something Scribes and Pharisees could not accept. Jesus Christ came as the ultimate fulfillment of reverent obedience to God. Jesus Christ is the definitive example of what it means to walk in full obedience to God’s will and way.

God has a plan for each and every one of his children. He has set forth his will and way in Scriptures and through the example of Christ and those who have gone before us. We are to trust and obey, but that is only the beginning. We are to trust and obey, but notice verse 19; we are then to practice and teach others how to trust and obey. As Christ was our example, so too, are we an example for others to follow. I am reminded of a favorite old hymn, written by John H. Sammis, 1887:

Trust and Obey

When we walk with he Lord In the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, Not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, Not a sigh nor a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief nor a loss, Not a frown nor a cross, Are for them who will trust and obey.

But we never can prove The delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, And the joy He bestows Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go, --Never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

We humbly thank you for the provision of our salvation fulfilled through the reverent obedience of Jesus Christ our Lord. Now as your children, guide us in complete trust and obedience to Your will and way.

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

The devotion Trust and Obey then Practice and Teach was originally written for Friday, August 12, 2016, under the original title, The Ultimate Law; 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.

Monday, July 6, 2026

Reflected Light

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) ¹⁴You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

There are many definitions for the word shine; however, my favorite has to do with being bright because of reflected light. This speaks to the heart of our scripture passage today. As Jesus gathered his disciples and began to teach them, he told them they would be a light for the world to see. They would be out in the open, not hidden, and it would be their lives reflecting the glory of God to others. In fact, if you read closely, you discover Jesus’ instructions were to shine in such a way that others would see their good deeds—and glorify your Father in heaven.

Lighthouses along the coast were not built for ornamentation. They have a purpose and a function. So do I, so do you, so do all Christians. We have a purpose and a function to reflect the light of Christ in a world full of darkness and despair. But here is the interesting detail. Our radiance is not to be an effort on our part to be noticed in and of ourselves or for others to notice us; but rather, that others might notice Christ through what we say and do.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

You are the true light. Each day may our purpose be to a reflection of You to a lost and dying world. May others see Your love reflected in our lives, for the ultimate purpose of bringing praise to You.

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

The devotion Reflected Light was originally written for Thursday, August 11, 2016; 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, July 3, 2026

Building Character

Proverbs 9:12 (NLT) If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

You might recognize this verse from yesterday’s devotional, but I am drawn to its significance.

To me it says quite simply that you alone are responsible for your own character. No one can build your character for you; you must build it yourself through your responses to life’s situations. No one can loan you their character; it belongs to them. You cannot lend your character to anyone else; it is your identification. If you choose the wisdom of God, others will notice your good character. If you choose folly, you alone will be the ultimate loser.

Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Guide us in Your wisdom so our good character might be a witness for You.

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

The devotion Building Character was originally written for Sunday, April 17, 2016; 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 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, July 2, 2026

Important Things to Tell You

Proverbs 8:1-14, 17 (NLT) ¹Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! ²On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. ³By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, ⁴“I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. ⁵You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. ⁶Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, ⁷for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. ⁸My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. ⁹My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. ¹⁰Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. ¹¹For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. ¹²I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. ¹³All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. ¹⁴Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. ... ¹⁷I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.”

The protagonist in our story is the wise man. He has the wisdom to know there is always room for improvement and humility to accept correction. He has courage to run from temptation. He seeks true wisdom and finds it. He shows understanding. There is nothing devious or perverse in his speech.

2 Timothy 3:12-13 and 4:3-4 (NIV) ¹²In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. ... ³For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

The antagonist in our story is the scoffer. He is unteachable and full of pride. It is senseless to challenge him with wisdom; he will not listen, he must learn the hard way. In fact, the scoffer is quick to gather up hearsay and unreliable sources to support his own ideas. Misinformation abounds and the scoffer is quick to deceive and be deceived. He is not interested in truth unless it is his own contrived or manufactured “truth.” The Apostle Paul warned young Timothy of the time when people would not want to listen to wisdom. Rather they would listen to teachers who taught whatever their “itching ears want to hear.”

Wisdom personified has no problem speaking in plain language. Wisdom is not interested in making the truth more palatable for our tender ears. The voice of Wisdom speaks:

Proverbs 8:35-36 and 9:12 (NLT) ³⁵For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. ³⁶But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death. ... ¹²If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Thank you for the wisdom that grows as we deepen our faith in You. Teach us to love your ways.

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

The devotion Important Things to Tell You was originally written for Saturday, April 16, 2016; 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, July 1, 2026

Persuasive Words

Proverbs 9:13-18 (NLT) ¹³The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it. ¹⁴She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city. ¹⁵She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business. ¹⁶“Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, ¹⁷“Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!” ¹⁸But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.

At first glance this might seem like an unusual passage to use for a devotional. In our minds, devotions should be uplifting and motivating; something to bring cheer to the challenges of our daily lives. This passage definitely carries some negative and ominous vibes. And yet I do find encouragement here. Within these verses I find a simple reminder to be a careful listener. There is a lot of foolishness and downright deviousness in the world today, and it doesn’t take long to hear persuasive words enticing us to follow or believe this or that. In the example provided in our text, men were minding their own business, and it seems that those who lacked good judgment were the ones at risk. The challenge for us is finding truth. Without sound judgment we are the ones at risk of becoming prey to the world’s persuasive words. A solid foundation in Scripture is the best antidote against persuasive words that would cause us to stumble or lead us away from God’s truth.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Daily we are confronted with temptations made stronger by the pull of persuasive words. Grant us strength to rely on Your wisdom and courage to remain true.

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

The devotion Persuasive Words was originally written for Friday, April 15, 2016; 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 Author’s Note: This devotion was re-written from the original. (14JUN2026)

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Overwhelming Victory is Ours

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV) ³¹What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If your church home is like mine, it seems the prayer needs list grows a little longer each week. Many of our dear friends and loved ones find themselves in need of God’s strength, comfort, and healing from a variety of short-term and long-term health issues. Others find themselves struggling to maintain a positive outlook in a world fraught with greed and self-centeredness.

Today’s text poses an interesting question in verse 35; “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” How humbly thankful we are to discover the answer in verse 37; “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” And as reemphasized in verse 39; there is nothing that “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What a beautiful promise and comfort to know that Christ will be with us strengthening us no matter what challenges or difficulties we face.

Romans 8:37 (NLT) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

With humbleness of heart, we thank you that nothing will be able to separate us from your love!

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

The devotion Overwhelming Victory is Ours was originally written for Tuesday, July 21, 2015; 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 29, 2026

All Believers Wait with Eager Hope

Romans 8:23-25 (NLT) ²³And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. ²⁴We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. ²⁵But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

There are times when, as an author, I like to zoom in on a specific word and identify its various meanings and usages. So often this provides unique clarity and interesting perspectives. For example, let’s take a moment to consider the word “wait.” One type of waiting implies staying in one place, such as sitting in a doctor’s office “waiting” for an exam. Not a very exciting type of waiting. Another type of waiting might be to put something off until a little later, such as “waiting” another day to clean out that cluttered closet. That’s even less exciting than sitting in a doctor’s office!

Today’s text gives us another understanding of the word “wait.” When we come to new life in Christ, we are filled with the hope of a future glory. We do not have it yet; we must “wait,” specifically for the second coming of Jesus Christ when all things will be fulfilled. However this type of waiting implies being expectant, ready, and prepared. In my mind, I imagine this might be the same type of exciting, eager “waiting” a child would experience on Christmas morning. Definitely meant to be a joyful experience! So the question comes, are we today engaged in the joyful, eager, expectation of Christ’s return?

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Fill us with renewed joyous expectation as we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

The devotion All Believers Wait with Eager Hope was originally written for Monday, July 20, 2015; 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, June 26, 2026

All Creation Waits with Eager Hope

Romans 8:19-22 ¹⁹For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Being in my late-sixties, I have been blessed with many years to enjoy God’s amazing creation. Through the years I have enjoyed various family pets, squirrels, foxes, and birds fluttering and romping about the yard with noisy interaction. Communication came in a variety of tweets, chatters, and woofs. In addition, science has discovered that even plants can “communicate” to other plants by releasing certain chemical enzymes into the surrounding soil—although this seems more evident in times of stressful growth conditions.

Today’s text reminds us that when Adam and Eve brought sin into the world; they brought death and decay not just to humans, but to all of God’s wonderful creation. How intriguing to realize even creation somehow anticipates a brighter future. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to joining God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay (c.f., vs. 20-21, NLT).

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Thank you for a glimpse of the glory we will share in the promised new heaven and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13). Thank you for the promise of eternal life with you in a creation without death and decay.

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

The devotion All Creation Waits with Eager Hope was originally written for Sunday, July 19, 2015; 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, June 25, 2026

The Best Witness

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 (NIV) ³¹So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ³²Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—³³even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. ¹Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Even though I am now retired, through many years as an educator of young children, I understand that often the best teaching method is modeling. Although children do not always listen to spoken instructions, they will readily copy what they see. How ironic that this is also true in the adult world. There is a famous quote with numerous variations dating back to ancient Chinese, ancient Japanese, and ancient European cultures—One picture is worth a thousand words. The point is this: our neighbors may not listen to our verbal witness, but I assure you they pay keen attention to our actions. In fact, we may be the only billboard for Christianity they will see.

In our text today, we discover a wonderfully simplistic solution. Follow the example of Christ! If what we do and how we live reflects the example of Christ—what better witness does the world have to follow?

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (c.f., Psalm 19:14, NLT)

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

The devotion The Best Witness was originally written for Sunday, February 9, 2014; 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