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.

The LORD's Response

        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 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

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.

True Wisdom and Real Understanding

        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 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.

 

The devotional  True Wisdom and Real Understanding 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.

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!                             

Treasure God's Word

           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 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 (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.

Gracious Heavenly 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. Teach us to treasure Your Word.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Treasure God’s Word 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.

My Redeemer Lives

        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 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.

Gracious Heavenly 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 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.

God's Gracious Gift of Grace

Romans 5:12, 15-21 (NLT)  When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.  ...  But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Grace:  God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

            One man, Adam, disobeyed; the result was sin and condemnation for all who would follow.

            One man, Jesus Christ, obeyed; the result was God’s Grace to all who will believe.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive our sins and whatever might be standing in the way of our complete trust in you. Thank you for your wonderful Grace...something which we do not deserve, nor can we earn, but it is freely given to us in your mercy. Thank you for Jesus Christ and the death he suffered and the blood he shed on our behalf, so that we might receive life.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  God’s Gracious Gift of Grace 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.

Made Right with God

Romans 3:22-25a (NLT)  We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.

Romans 5:1-2 (NLT)  Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

            Why do we have such a penchant for complicating things? We are saved by simple faith in Jesus Christ, believing he sacrificed his own life to redeem ours. We do not deserve this, nor can we buy it or earn it. It is a gift; it is free. With it, we are made right with God. Without it, we fall short of God’s standard.

            This is not hard, nor is it complicated. We are sinners. We are saved through faith in Christ.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We have sinned and fallen short of your standards. Forgive us. We ask in faith believing that Jesus Christ sacrificed his life to redeem ours. Grant us your peace.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Made Right with God 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.

 

No Excuse

Romans 1:18-20 (NLT)  But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

            No other passage of Scripture is so unsettling or disturbing for me. I know so many precious ones who for whatever reason once knew Christ as Savior and drifted away; or still others who have never believed. My heart aches and I remember them in prayer each time their name crosses my mind. According to this passage, they are without excuse for the very details of Creation could not exist without an Almighty God, Creator of all. God’s eternal power, His divine nature, His invisible qualities...all burst forth from creation like a beacon of light...all pointing to evidence of One Supreme Creator of all. I have to believe in my heart that they know God exists; but I cannot choose for them or I would. Instead, I pray. And I know God listens to my prayers on their behalf.     I trust God’s Word:

 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            My mind is full of the names of family and friends...ones who are precious to me, and I know if they are precious to me that they are even more precious to you. Place in their path those who are willing to answer their questions and guide them toward you; while at the same time I ask you to draw each one of them closer to you. Open their eyes to see your great love; open their hearts to sense your presence working in their lives; and open their minds to accept your gift of salvation through Christ.  I know the Second Coming of Christ is delayed only in order to provide more time for everyone to come to repentance for it is not your desire that anyone perish. So whether they return to you while I am still alive and can rejoice, or whether they return to you long after my days are gone; either way, Heavenly Father, I entrust these names to your care.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  No Excuse 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.

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.

 

Gospel Good News

Romans 1:16-17 (NLT)  For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” *

            The Gospel Good News...the truth that God provided the means for our salvation by simple faith, believing, trusting in Jesus Christ. Available to anyone and everyone who believes. Why are we so afraid and hesitant to share this Gospel Good News with others?

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the Gospel Good News about Christ. Create in us a desire to boldly share this Good News with others.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

* c.f., Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT)  Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.

The devotional  Gospel Good News 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.