God Never Gives Up

 Nehemiah 9:17b (NIV)  But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them…

Nehemiah 9:31 (NIV)  But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.

            By means of a very brief background; Ezra had just finished reading from the Book of Law of Moses; Nehemiah the governor, along with the Ezra and other Levite priests and scribes, were weeping because of the sins of Israel; the Israelites came together to confess their sins.

Now it is an interesting side note found in the beginning verses of Nehemiah 9, that the Israelites read the Scriptures for “one fourth of the day and spent another fourth in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.” [Perhaps we’ll leave the fact that many of us have difficulty getting up; getting dressed; and getting motivated for a one-hour service on Sunday morning for another devotional.]

Back to our thoughts for today—From Nehemiah 9:5-37 we find a detailed list of the major mistakes Israel had made. Over and over they revealed their stubborn and rebellious nature. Yet God never gave up on them! Nestled deep inside this passage we find verses of hope and encouragement. God is gracious. God is compassionate. God does not anger easily. God is abounding in love. God is merciful. God does not abandon. God does not desert.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            How humbly thankful we are for your loving compassion and mercy. When we fail to feel your presence, help us understand that it is we who have stepped aside for you do not abandon nor desert your own. Forgive our stubborn and rebellious nature. Bring us safely back into your arms of grace and comfort our hearts with your mercy.

            In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The devotional God Never Gives Up appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

 

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

Remain Steadfast - Stand Firm

 Psalm 51:10 (NIV)     Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)     You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)     Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.

            There is a difference between being a steadfast person from that of being a stubborn person. The two words are not synonymous. Stubbornness carries a negative connotation and implies being unreasonable, perversely unyielding, obstinate, or just plain difficult. We are not called to be a stubborn people.

We are called to be a steadfast people. Our minds and hearts are to be so firmly fixed in place on Christ that we are determined to focus on him no matter what our current circumstances may be. It means we can remain firm in the face of compromise or adversity. Our resolve to follow Christ is not subject to the ever-changing philosophies and current trends followed by the world. The reward for remaining steadfast and trusting God is peace of mind—the sort of peace that runs deep inside and brings a sense of calm within.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive the stubbornness in our hearts. Cleanse our hearts and grant a steadfast mind to trust always in you. Hold us firmly no matter which way the world sways.

            In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

The devotional Remain Steadfast – Stand Firm appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

 

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Restless Nights

 Psalm 3:5 (NIV)     I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

 Psalm 4:8 (NIV)     I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

            There are some nights when I just can’t find the “off” switch for my thoughts. I lie awake for hours and looking at the clock only shows a few minutes difference each time. Sometimes, I know what is keeping me awake, but sometimes it’s just sort of a jumbled-up mixture of thoughts. That’s when verses like these bring the most comfort.

            I know that David wrote many of the Psalms. Often he speaks of his enemies in pursuit of him and during those times it must have been so hard for him to close his eyes at night. Yet he knew the Lord was in control. This is what allowed him to sleep peacefully in spite of dangers lurking nearby.

            My life is quite different for I do not face the types of dangers David did. In fact, I can’t really say it is danger at all that keeps me awake some nights. Most of the time it is more like just a restlessness and inability to quiet my thoughts. What I have come to understand is that God brings peace that I do not have on my own. Furthermore, he offers peace freely if I will just ask him, and trust that he will answer.

            I have said before, and still maintain, that the more one studies the Bible—takes the time and effort to learn verses—the more comfort we have in times of need.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

             Sometimes our struggles seem very minor, and sleepless nights can be one of those minor annoyances. Thank you for examples in your Word that remind us of the comfort and peace only you can provide. Thank you for peaceful rest at night.

In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

 

The devotional Restless Nights appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

 

                                 email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Brighten the Corner

 2 Samuel 23:3-4 (NIV)  When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from earth.

            Admittedly, I’ve seen far more sunsets than sunrises. Yet earlier this week I saw one of the most magnificent displays of colors just as the earth’s movement revealed the sun at the horizon. The vivid colors—oranges, pinks, purples, fuchsia and magenta tones were amazing.

            I was reminded of today’s text which is a portion of King David’s last words, his last oracle. This passage references the life of David as king and ruler, but I also think it bears importance for us as individuals today. We honestly have no idea how much of an impact our lives can have on the lives of others. When we keep our disposition positive, and we strive to please God in all that we do, we send a message of brightness and hope to others around us. Perhaps you have never considered yourself to be a “sunrise on a cloudless morning” but you can be just that to someone in need. It reminds me of a very old hymn…

“Brighten the Corner”  (Ina Mae Duley Ogdon, 1872-1964)

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do, Do not wait to shed you light afar.

   To the many duties ever near you now be true, Brighten the corner where you are.

 

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear. Let not narrow-self your way debar,

   Tho’ into one heart alone may fall your word of cheer, Brighten the corner where you are.

 

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need, here reflect the Bright and Morning Star,

   Even from your humble hand the bread of life may feed, Brighten the corner where you are.

 

(Chorus)  Brighten the corner where you are! Brighten the corner where you are!

   Someone from the harbor you may guide across the bar, Brighten the corner where you are.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for those who have brightened our day when we needed it most. Thank you for opportunities to brighten someone else’s day. May we faithfully respond.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The devotional Brighten the Corner appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

 

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

You Are Never Alone

 Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)     Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

            Rather than viewing this passage as a negative—that God is always hovering nearby to zap us every time we make a mistake; I view this as a positive—that God is real; that he is ever near, ready to catch us when we fall. We may not always feel God’s presence, but he is always there and he is never more than a whispered prayer away.

Loving Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the promise of your continued presence in our lives. Thank you for sending people across our paths to help us when we need it most. Thank you for watching over us—not only to guide us away from wrongful choices—but to catch us when we fall.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The devotional You Are Never Alone appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

The Great Mystery

 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (excerpts) (NIV)     Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel… By this gospel you are saved… that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…

Just a couple of quick thoughts coming from my heart this morning as I think about the greatest mystery of all time—that Christ should leave his Father’s side, come to earth in human form, suffer temptation yet without sin, suffer unspeakable cruelties to the very death on the cross—and all to be our Savior. Yet he did not stop at death, he rose victorious from the grave, ascended back to his Father’s side where he awaits the command to redeem those found faithful, (1 Timothy 3:16). It is overwhelmingly humbling that we would matter so much to our Heavenly Father. We are told that the Lord is coming soon and not to worry about anything but pray about everything, (Philippians 4:5-7). We are told to be diligent, watch what we do in life, and hold fast to truthful doctrines, (1 Timothy 4:15-16). We are reminded that God’s ways are not our ways, that his thoughts are higher than our thoughts; furthermore, that God works out all things toward the goal of what is good and right, (Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 8:28). My mind is scarcely able to comprehend it all—yet I am thankful—I am blessed—I am loved—I am redeemed!

I Am Not Skilled to Understand (D. Greenwell, 1873)

I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned; I only know at His right hand stands One who is my Savior.

I take Him at His Word and deed; “Christ died to save me,” this I read; and in my heart I find a need of Him to be my Savior.

That He should leave His place on high and come for sinners here to die; You find it strange? So once did I, before I knew my Savior.

And living, dying, let me bring my strength, my comfort from this spring: That He who lives to be my King once died to be my Savior.

 

The devotional The Great Mystery appeared first February 18, 2021, on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Runaways Can Return

 Example #1:

Judges 6:11 and 15 (NIV)     The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. … “But LORD,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

Example #2:

Jonah 1:3 (NIV)     But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Example #3:

Acts 9:1-2 and 13-14 (NIV)     Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. … “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

            Today we look at three examples of not just runaways but run-FAR-aways. In the first case of Gideon, we understand that he was hiding and that he was full of excuses. Yet the Lord called him into service, and Gideon would soon defeat the entire nation of Midianites.

            In the second example of Jonah, consult a Bible map, and there you will see that he intended to run to the opposite side of what was then known to be the Roman world. He was running as far away as possible to avoid God. Yet God called him into service, and Jonah would soon lead the entire city of Nineveh (a city so large it took three days to cross) back to God.

            In the third example of Saul, we know that he participated in the arrests and deaths of many Christians. He was present at the stoning of Stephen. He sought to eradicate all followers of Jesus Christ. Yet God called him into service, and with his new name, Paul, he would become one of the leading witnesses for Christ and the author of much of the New Testament writings that are so vital for us today.

            Perhaps today you are praying for many family members or special friends whom you know are doing their best to be runaways from God and the truth of God’s Word. Keep praying. They may not be seeking God, but He is always willing to seek others for his service. There is always hope. Keep praying.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            There are many who are precious to us, and we pray that they are also precious to you. We ask that you bring people across their paths that will lead them by example back to you.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The devotional Runaways Can Return appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

 

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Fi-LEE-mon, or Fil-a-MON?

Philemon vs. 4 and 7 (NIV)     I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.  …  Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

            Has anyone ever mispronounced your name? I’m sure for many people this might be a daily occurrence. Philemon is the shortest book of the Bible, approximately one half of a single written page. It is not long enough to contain chapters, only verses. It is sandwiched between Titus and Hebrews and easily overlooked. The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to Philemon. And while the primary focus of this letter to Philemon was a request to welcome back a runaway slave (Onesimus), I am drawn to the life and example of Philemon.

            Others may not know your name or how to pronounce it correctly, but do they see you as a person who “refreshes the hearts of the Lord’s people?” Do you bring great joy and encouragement to others?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for providing the example of Philemon as a guide for us today. It is  easy for us to become so entangled in the daily challenges of our own lives – to the point that we forget our purpose is to refresh the hearts of others. Help us to bring great joy and encouragement to those who are disheartened.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional Fi-LEE-mon, or Fil-a-MON? appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com