Profoundly Tender and Compassionate

 Deuteronomy 6:5  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Ephesians 5:1  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

            Even from a worldly standpoint the Bible is a truly magnificent work of literature. The Bible is an anthology—a collection of works including poetry, law, narratives, documentaries, and apocalyptical writings—with approximately 40 authors spanning a history of approximately 1,500 years. Yet the Bible, with its variety of works and diversity of authors, has ONE central theme—it is the inspired work of God, our Heavenly Father and Creator of all that exists. If its central theme could be summed up in a single word, it would be the word LOVE.

            The Bible tells of a Great Creator—the LORD God Almighty—who created everything out of love, provided everything for that creation to exist out of love, and requires nothing in return but love. The simplest definition for love is “profoundly tender and compassionate.” God was so profoundly tender and compassionate with us that he sacrificed his only begotten Son that we might live. He placed our need for salvation over the life of his Son. Does that grip your heart the way it does mine? And what does God ask in return? That we love him. That we place the priority of giving God glory and honor above our own needs—whatever those temporary human needs might be. To love our Heavenly Father with all our whole being, and to be profoundly tender and compassionate with one another. LOVE is both the underlying and overarching theme of the entire Bible from front cover to back cover. In fact, the ultimate litmus test for life only in Christ is love.

1 John 4:7-11 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We stand in humbleness of heart and total awe that you should love us so much. Because of your great love you sacrificed your only begotten Son that we might live. How can we respond in any other way but to truly love you? We ask forgiveness when we fail to love others as you have taught us to do. Teach us to be a profoundly tender and compassionate people.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Profoundly Tender and Compassionate appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Pesky Things

 Nehemiah 9:16-17  But they, our ancestors, became arrogant and stiff-necked, and they did not obey your commands. They refused to listen… 

            A few days ago we spoke of Peter’s encouragement to make every effort to make sure future generations know the message of truth. Now we see “the shoe on the other foot” so to speak. We look back to the pride and arrogance of Israel and their constant rebellion to God’s ways. But we must ask ourselves, what will future generations say about us? Will they speak of our generation’s rebellion, disobedience, and refusal to listen to the truth of the Gospel?

            God himself has provided the solution.

Isaiah 55:6-7  Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…

            I realize that I am writing to an audience who rarely deals with any obvious or blatant sins. However sometimes the sins of the mind and heart—the less obvious sins—are sneaky and settle themselves into our thoughts. Sins of impatience, thoughtlessness, rudeness, negativity, or just plain mean-spirited attitudes. None of these pesky things help us follow God’s ways.

1 John 1:8-9  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us for the sins of the mind and heart—all those little pesky things that sneak their way inside us. Thank you for your grace and mercy offered to all. Keep us in your loving arms. May we leave a faithful example for those who follow.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Pesky Things appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Living Hope

 2 Peter 1:16  For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 

            The translation “cleverly devised stories” indicates once again Peter’s efforts to warn people to be alert to those who would distort God’s truth and mislead people. Even the most well-intended Christian media—Christian movies, Christian song lyrics, Bible paraphrases—do not always present the truth of God’s Word. And often, it’s hard to tell the difference because it all sounds good. The danger comes when we so eagerly accept what we hear as Gospel Truth instead of opening the pages of our Bible—and that being an authentic translation, not a paraphrase.

            So what exactly was the message of Christ’s coming that Peter was preaching? For that we can look back in his first letter.

1 Peter 1:3-4  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

            It is not we who can never perish, but it is the inheritance we receive from Christ that can never perish, spoil, or fade. There is a distinction. We are perishable in our human state. It is the promise of eternal life that is imperishable (i.e., cannot perish or cease to exist). And that promise will be fulfilled on the day of Christ’s return.

Colossians 3:4  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

2 Timothy 4:8  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Titus 3:5-7 He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Hebrews 9:28  …so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Hebrews 10:36-37  You need to  persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”

James 4:14, 5:7-8  What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. … Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. …You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

1 John 3:2  But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Revelation 21:2-4, 7  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” … “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”

            If you have accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you have the gift of salvation and you have the gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, and you also have the promise of eternal life. Those are things you have now. Soon, when Christ returns to gather his people—both those who have fallen asleep and those who are alive and remain—then, at that time you will receive the gift of eternal life.  This is the Living Hope of which Peter wrote.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the precious promise of Living Hope. Comfort those who today sorrow the loss of loved ones. Comfort those whose thoughts become anxious as their own years bring the adverse effects of aging. Bring joy to our hearts in anticipation of your soon return to gather your children, for then we will receive the gift of eternal life in Christ.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Living Hope appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Make Every Effort Count

 2 Peter 1:13-15  I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 

            Peter knew that all things of earth, even our bodies, are temporary. He passionately believed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and, that the example of Jesus Christ will be one in which all believers will follow. We live in our human bodies for a time; if time lingers we shall sleep in death; but as believers, we will rejoice in the Blessed Hope of Resurrection at that moment when Christ returns.

            I enjoy writing. It is more than a hobby; in my retirement years it has become my passion and primary interest. My Heavenly Father has given me whatever talent, abilities, and writing skills that I may possess, and I humbly and gratefully give to Him all glory and honor for any good that it might produce.

            However I am keenly aware that not everyone enjoys writing. Some people dread the thought of writing. This makes me wonder how a fisherman like Peter felt about sitting down to write a couple of letters. Perhaps he thought of it as a heavy task. Yet how blessed we are today for his letters included in the canonized scriptures. Peter and I share a common goal—to use whatever abilities we might have to further the gospel message of encouragement and hope. As Peter so plainly states, “And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.”

            Make no mistake, my writings and musings will never in any way compare to the precious letters of Peter that we have available to us canonized in Scripture. Peter could never have possibly known how many generations his letters would reach, but he made the effort, and we are the beneficiaries. Peter’s example, and my encouragement and my challenge for you, is to use whatever gifts, talents, and abilities you might have as a lasting legacy of God’s love and hope to future generations. Make every effort count.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You have blessed each of us with different talents, skills, and abilities. Forgive us when we feel we are no longer useful to you. Awaken in us the passion to prepare future generations for your eternal Kingdom. Thank you for still needing us to respond to the opportunities you present.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Make Every Effort Count appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Refresh Your Memory

 2 Peter 12-13  So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory… 

            Lately I have enjoyed going back through Peter’s two letters—his first letter focusing on calling Christians to a life of holiness, and his second letter focusing on being alert and aware of false teachings. Both are so appropriate for our times! There are so many, many golden gems nestled inside these passages.

            Today I was struck simply by the thought of our need for remembering what we have been taught. We know the truth of God’s Word, but as Peter states, it is right to refresh our memory. How do we do that? The simple answer is by spending time in God’s Word. As I get older I realize how much more effort goes into “remembering” things that once came so quickly to my mind. Even now when I think of favorite verses, I find myself pausing to make sure I have the complete verse, and that I have it correctly. I know what it is like to be “memory-challenged” at times and I realize that my readers often share similar experiences in life. Yet with so many different teachings out there today, enticing us via multiple media sources—movies, social media, online, and the like—there can be no better time than now to refresh our memories of the truth in God’s Word.

How can we remember, unless we take time to know?

How can we know, unless we spend time in God’s Word daily?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the gift of your written Word. Forgive us when we neglect to open its pages except in time of need. Teach us to spend time with you daily in reading your Word and in prayer; for only then will we be ready to discern the lure of false teachings hidden along our path.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Refresh Your Memory appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Give Careful Thought

 Haggai  1:5  Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.”

            Haggai is an interesting book for it is a book of prophecy and hope. The Book of Haggai is brief—a total of 38 verse spread over two chapters. It is a call for the people to rebuild the temple—the House of the LORD.

            For those of you familiar with my writing style, you know that I am often drawn to things which might otherwise be overlooked. Today is no exception. Five times the people are cautioned to “give careful thought” to their ways and what they are doing. This seems like a good word for us today. How careful are we with our thoughts, words, and actions? How much do we know in our heart is wrong, but we simply let it slide? Do we give careful thought to our ways? The hard truth is that our ways—our thoughts, words, and actions—often become the only bulletin board of Christian life that some people see. What does our life show them?

            Haggai is also a promise of hope. For those who obey, there is a wonderful promise, also given at least five times.

Haggai 2:4 “Be strong, all you people of the land,” declares the LORD, “and work. For I am with you,” declares the LORD Almighty.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your promise to be with your faithful ones. Forgive us when we fail to give careful thought to our ways. We may not be working on a temple building, but we are definitely working for your soon-coming Kingdom. Grant us the strength to be strong and complete the tasks you give us to do.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Give Careful Thought appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Someone to Mediate

 Job 9:1-4, 32-35  Then Job replied: “…but how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God? Though they wished to dispute with him, they could not answer him one time out of a thousand. His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed? … He is not a mere mortal like me that I might answer him, that we might confront each other in court. If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot.”

            From time to time I enjoy reading through the book of Job. I find the volley of conversation between Job and his friends so interesting and I always find something new to explore. For example, in the ninth chapter, Job is responding to Bildad with an explanation of the greatness of God and the limitations of man. Out of respect and reverent fear, Job does not dare to stand before Almighty God to plead his case alone. He recognizes a need for a mediator. And in Job’s time, that would have been the job of the high priest at the temple—a place Job could not enter due to his unclean condition. We can understand Job’s expression of helplessness.

            Ironically, under the New Covenant of our times, we have something Job did not have. We do have a mediator to help us in time of need. We have direct access to God’s throne of grace.

1 Timothy 2:5-6  For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

Hebrews 4:14-16  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you that Christ now sits at your right hand, and that we now have someone to mediate for us in time of need. Forgive our weaknesses and failures. Thank you for your faithfulness, mercy, and grace.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Someone to Mediate appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Peace Like a River

 Isaiah 48:17-18  “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river…”

            There it is, in a nutshell as they say. We pray to our Heavenly Father and ask him for guidance. But we are often so consumed in our own course of action that we seldom take time to listen. In our impatience we scurry along, and usually it isn’t until things start to overwhelm us that we actually stop and listen to how the Lord is leading and guiding us. If we had only paid attention in the first place, it might have saved a lot of misery and stress on our part. If we had only paid attention in the first place, our peace would flow like a river.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive our impatience. Forgive our haste to be our own guide. Help us to stop and focus on you and how you are leading us and guiding us through your Word, for your Word is so clear if we just take the time to read it. Thank you for the promise of peace when we follow you.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Peace Like a River appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

 

 email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

A Penny for Your Thoughts

 Psalm 139:1-2  You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

Psalm 139:23-24  Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

            I don’t know about you, but there are days when my thoughts seem so scattered that I can barely function. Now that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much. We all have days when our thoughts keep us distracted or disoriented to those things which truly need our focused attention. On such days, our Heavenly Father is there to calm our minds and quiet our hearts if we will turn our focus to him. There are several scripture passages that help me on such days, and the my favorite “go-to” verse is found in 2 Timothy, although I much prefer the original King James Version for this one.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

            In Paul’s letter to the Colossians regarding the Supremacy of the Son of God, there is a small verse tucked inside the passage that also helps me on days of scattered thoughts:

Colossians 1:17 (NIV)  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

            If I am confident that Christ can hold all things together, then I can take this passage in a more literal sense and thank him for also holding the thoughts in my head together and helping me function clearly. I think the key is to focus on our Heavenly Father and then everything else seems to fall back into proper perspective. Perhaps one of the most helpful verses, although again I prefer the KJV, comes from Proverbs:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when our thoughts become so scattered and chaotic that we lose sight of you. Help us stop, regroup, refocus on you. Thank you for the precious promises found in your Word that help guide our thoughts, minds, and hearts back to you.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional A Penny for Your Thoughts appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Bringing Back the Strays

 Ezekiel 34:11-12, 16  For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. … I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. 

            Each of us probably has a family member or a few family members for whom we pray they might find or return to the faith they knew as a child. We might even have friends for whom we are praying, or family members of those friends. As we anticipate the soon coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have a growing sense of urgency within us for these loved ones.

            When God commissioned Ezekiel to proclaim this prophecy it was in connection with the fall of Jerusalem. Yet I think this passage is one that holds comfort for us today. Our Heavenly Father knows our concerns. If God was able to locate Gideon when he was hiding from the Midianites threshing wheat in a winepress… If God was able to locate Jonah fleeing from him on a ship to Tarshish on the far edge of the known Roman world… If God was able to locate Saul who was persecuting God’s people and convert him to become one of God’s faithful servants… Then I am confident God knows each and every person for whom we are praying.

            God knows how to place people in their lives who will witness to them in ways more effective than perhaps what we could ever do ourselves. Our job is to keep lifting them up to the Lord in prayer and I believe with all my heart that our loving Heavenly Father will rescue them. It may happen in our lifetime, it may happen after we are long gone, but I am confident it will happen. Our Heavenly Father knows the heart of each person. So, what are we to do? Keep these precious loved ones, family, and friends on your prayer list and never lose hope! God is faithful and He is able to bring back the strays.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Today our hearts are heavy with the thoughts of precious family and friends whom for whatever reason have turned away from you to follow other pursuits. We lift each name up to you and ask that in your mercy and grace you would place people in their pathways to guide them back to you. Show us where we might be useful and of service to you in helping to bring back the strays.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Bringing Back the Strays appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

The LORD is Good

 Psalm 100:5  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

            An old childhood chorus I learned in Sunday School spoke of “Deep and wide, deep and wide…there’s a fountain flowing deep and wide.” I am reminded of that chorus each time I read this verse. It is the goodness and love of the Lord that reaches the width, breadth, and vastness of all creation including mankind. Although he is timeless, God’s faithfulness reaches the depths of all time throughout all generations. So deep. So wide. No extra words are needed.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You indeed are Good! Forgive us when we fail you as we often do in so many ways. Thank you for your love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and faithfulness. We praise You.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional The LORD is Good appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thanksgiving and Praise

 Psalm 100:4  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

            We understand that prayers of thanksgiving express gratitude and acknowledgement of our deepest appreciation. We also have a clear understanding of praise as a means to express our favor to God and to glorify him. However as we often do, let us take a deeper look into this brief verse and find some additional golden nuggets of thought.

            Today, it is the location—the setting—that draws my attention. When we consider the traditional temple area we might remember that the gates were always closed to those who were unclean or undeserving, or in any other way could not satisfy the requirements. Gates were opened at certain times, but people were restricted in the use of gates and for the most part remained at the entrance unless otherwise specified. Two New Testament passages help our understanding.

Acts 3:1-2  One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.

Revelation 21:27  [with reference to the gates of the Holy City of new Jerusalem] Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

            Here we see something remarkable. Because we are God’s people through Jesus Christ, it is we who are to enter the gates! We are welcomed into the courtyards. But whose courts? These are his courts, not ours.

Isaiah 1:12 [as a portion of the Lord’s rebuke against the rebelliousness of Judah and Jerusalem] When you come to meet with me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings!

            How amazing that we have access through the gates into the courtyard of our Heavenly Father through prayer. Truly another reason for entering with thanksgiving and praise!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            How amazing that we should be your people. How humbled we are to come before you in prayer. We offer our thanksgiving and praise to you, our loving and merciful God.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Thanksgiving and Praise appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

He Made Us and We Are His

 Psalm 100:3  Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

            To know is to have a firm understanding of something; to understand something in a way that enables one to build a foundation on which to acquire additional knowledge. Perhaps the first thing we can know from this verse is something the Hebrews knew. The Jews considered God’s name to be too sacred to be spoken, so it was usually translated Jehovah or Yahweh and written as the tetragrammaton YHVH or YHWH. Most authentic translations of the Old Testament text will capitalize all four letters of LORD to convey this sense of holiness of God. So at the very onset, we can know that God is the LORD, God Almighty. He is no secondary, imaginary, or human-generated god; He is the LORD, Holy God, the Alpha and Omega—and he is the beginning and the last. In fact, Holy God ALWAYS existed, he still exists TODAY, and he always WILL exist. This is part of his Name, YHWH. The very name of God identifies that he is divine, sovereign, and supreme over all powers in heaven or on earth. This is what sets the foundation on which we build additional knowledge of whence we come and whose we are.         

From whence do we come?   It is he who made us.

Genesis 1:27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Psalm 139:13-14  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Whose are we?  We are his.

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

Romans 10:13  Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Galatians 3:26, 28  You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, … There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave no free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Acts 10:34-35  God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

            Yet there is something else hidden within the few words of this verse. Not only do we learn and come to know who God is, from whence we come, and whose we are; but God reveals to us something about the favored relationship in which we stand with him.

We are his people; the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 23:1-3  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

Psalm 37:28  For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Psalm 86:5  You are kind and forgiving, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Psalm 91:14-15  “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him…”

Psalm 95:6-7  Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

            We can know God is the Everlasting, LORD God Almighty. We can know God is our Creator.  We can know we are God’s people. We can know God cares deeply for each and every one of us. And with this as our foundation, how can we do anything other than praise him and worship him with gladness and joy?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for who you are. Thank you for whose we are. Forgive our stumblings, failings, and weaknesses. Open our hearts to see how deeply you care for us. We worship you with joy and gladness.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

           

The devotional He Made Us and We Are His appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Gladness and Joy

 Psalm 100:2  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 

            It is no accident that our worship is often referred to as worship “service” for that is what we are called to do. Service to our Lord is to worship with gladness of heart. In Paul’s letter to the Romans he describes presenting ourselves in worship as the first response we owe our Heavenly Father.

Romans 12:1  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

            Often when we think of our local worship service, we focus more on the logistics of the service and the order of worship. (e.g., Should we sing the anthem before or after the scripture reading? Should we have prayer before or after the second hymn?) You get the idea, which is why most services offer a bulletin of some type to help with the flow of the service.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the cosmetic appearances of the service that we overlook the purpose. I am reminded of a quote from A.W. Tozer, “Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us.”

            This morning I want us to focus on the true reason for worship. It is to glorify to our Heavenly Father and recognize his holiness. Everything we think, or say, or sing, or do should bring honor to His Name and direct others to Him. It is not about entertaining ourselves or having the correct placement for each activity; it is about offering ourselves to Him. Recognizing God as Holy, Divine, Supreme, Creator, and Redeemer is our purpose for worship. Proper focus brings gladness and joy to the act of worship.

Psalm 29:2  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we get so wrapped up in the activity of our worship service that we neglect service to you in worship. Adjust our focus to you alone. We come to you in gladness and joy.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

The devotional Gladness and Joy appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Shout for Joy

 Psalm 100:1  Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

            The Latin term jubilatus is an exclamation of joy. It carries with it the same sense of a fanfare or tribute to a higher power or authority. Admittedly, most of my joy is an inward sense of happiness and rarely is that translated into audible expressions. There are times when music best expresses the joy in my heart (e.g., singing hymns in church, singing hymns under the starry skies, in the wooded forests, or beside a mountain stream, or even on the back porch with a cup of coffee). I think the point is not so much in how but that we do take time to express joy for all our Heavenly Father has done for us. No matter what our current circumstances—we are a blessed people.

            A second thought occurs with the phrase all the earth. In a world that celebrates diversity, division, and separation, this phrase celebrates unity. The command to express joy is not given to some of God’s people, but to all of us. It is a singular earth, an all encompassing earth that is to recognize the LORD God Almighty as divine Creator and Holy God. He is our Maker and our Provider. We are his people. Our expressions of joy belong to him.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Our hearts are full of joy for all you have done. Though there are days our circumstances may overwhelm us, yet in our hearts we express to you our joy.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Shout for Joy appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

The Greatest of These

 Throughout his letters, and particularly concentrated in chapters 12-14 of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul specifically mentions special gifts with detailed explanations of use and misuse of these gifts. All gifts are meant to work together for the purpose of building a strong church—the Body of Christ. It is a call to unity and we must remember unity (i.e., working well and cohesively together) is not the same as uniformity (i.e., all the same without variation), as we noted in an earlier devotion. People are not the same and neither are their abilities. However all members of God’s family are to function cohesively using whatever gifts, talents, and abilities God has granted them. Perhaps the key to it all is this: 

1 Corinthians 13:1-2  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

            As long as time and years permit there will always be periodic waves of those who seek extraordinary and supernatural spiritual experiences to set themselves above those whom they view as plain, out-of-date, or just do not have what they have. In their eyes, there will always be ridicule for those who lack some special level of spirituality—above and beyond the biblical teaching of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit given to all believers at the moment one accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. For them the experiential factor becomes the key element in determining one’s level of Christianity. The Bible, God’s Holy Word, does not teach such levels of Christianity. The greatest fallacy of this is in seeking “more” as if Christ is not enough. The clear response is:

Colossians 2: 10 …and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

            To be sure, the Holy Spirit plays a prominent and meaningful role in Christianity. But the Holy Spirit is never self-promoting. In every situation and in every circumstance, the Holy Spirit is focused on representing Christ.

John 14:26  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 15:26  When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.

John 16:13-14  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.

            The newest and latest wave of supernatural experiences is in full swing. There will be many emotionally charged invitations, seminars, movies and the like urging you to get that “little something extra that you’ve been missing.” Such teachings promote elevated status and not unity.    Remember that if you have Jesus Christ, then you also have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and you have everything. In summarizing this brief series regarding spiritual gifts, we have covered several major points to remember:

·       Any teaching that does not reveal Jesus is not of the Spirit.

·     Any religious experience that promotes self and does not agree with the life and teachings of Christ is false.

·       The Holy Spirit does not draw attention to himself and any human activity that does is errant.

·       The Holy Spirit plays a prominent and meaningful role in Christianity but he is never the center attraction.

1 Corinthians 13:4-10, 13  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. for we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. … And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            In these days of turmoil, unrest, and world chaos, we can be so tempted to grasp at things that may for a time seem superior to our current circumstances. Forgive us when we fail to see that with You we have all that we need. Supernatural experiences and emotional highs are but a false illusion. Remind us, too, that You are love and the things we think, say, and do should also be done out of love for others in the same way You love us. It is not by some emotional experience or some elevated spiritual status, but it is by our love for You and for others that they will know we are Christians.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

The devotional The Greatest of These appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation

 1 Corinthians 12:4-11  There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 

            First let us clarify what “speaking in tongues” is not. Speaking in tongues is not falling into ecstasy and spewing out a torrent of unintelligible words. This would be more in line with gibberish of today’s modern spiritual experiential movement. It is most definitely not in line with the biblical accounts recorded in Scripture.

            Scripture clearly identifies the gift of “speaking in tongues” as speaking a language that is perhaps not otherwise known to the speaker but known to the listener. Although the passage is fairly lengthy it is important not to skip lightly through it. The entire account of The Holy Spirit at Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2:1-12.  Verses 1-3 describe the scene, the setting, and the visual tongues of flames resting on each of the original 11 apostles and the newly appointed Matthias—12 men in all.

Acts 2:4-12  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

            Although the emboldened and italicized text is unnecessary, it is still interesting to visually note how much of this text is devoted to explaining this event occurred with real languages and not gibberish. It is considered factual by most biblical scholars that Paul spoke at least two languages and quite possibly four. Scriptural documentation can be found in Acts 21:37 and Acts 21:40-22:2. It is assumed by most biblical scholars that Paul could speak Hebrew and Aramaic of the Old Testament as well as Greek of the New Testament and quite possibly Latin of the Roman Empire since he was a citizen of Rome. Paul never questions the gift of “tongues” but he knew very well about its problems:

1 Corinthians 14:8-11 and 18-19  Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So 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. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. … I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. but in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

            We know all gifts of diverse kinds exist for the common good of the church—to edify, build up, instruct, enlighten, and inform God’s people about the means of salvation through Jesus Christ and to live a life in accordance with God’s purposes. There is no need for tongues unless someone is present who does not understand the language being spoken, and then interpretation is required for clarity, (see 1 Corinthians 14:5).

            On the matter of interpretation, Paul gives a very practical example:

1 Corinthians 14:16-17  If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.

            Perhaps this is something to consider: A person who is bilingual has much to offer in spreading the Gospel message. Yet the greater gift, the greater good—whether you possess bilingual skills or not—is to warn God’s people when they go astray and guide them back to following God’s will.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the gift of languages you provided to enable others to hear the truth of your Word. Thank you for those who are able to communicate in various languages today. Thank you for those who transcribe the Bible into a wide variety of languages to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Keep us safely away from the gibberish of today’s modern “tongues” experiences. May we continue to trust in You.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

The devotional Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Prophecy and Distinguishing Between Spirits

 1 Corinthians 12:4-11  There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

            The term prophecy may be better translated as “preaching.” The tendency among today’s modern self-proclaimed prophets is to view prophecy as a type of clairvoyant foretelling the future of what is to come. All too often a passage of scripture is removed from context to accommodate the message for a set of intended results.

            Biblical prophecy was far more forthtelling in nature with a dual purpose:  (a) to bring God’s rebuke and warning, that is, to tell men their actions were not in accordance with God’s will; and (b) to bring advice, guidance, and counsel on returning to the ways of God.

1 Corinthians 14:3  But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.           

            The gift of prophecy was never used biblically to promote the hidden agenda of any individual. Although the first stage of prophecy was used to convict one of sins, prophecy was never used to put one on a guilt trip for not accommodating its messenger as is common with today’s self-proclaimed prophets. The ultimate result of prophecy has always been and should always be to redirect one towards living a life that glorifies God and brings honor to his Name.

2 Chronicles 7:14  …if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

            The Bible has much to say about those with self-proclaimed prophetic status:

Jeremiah 23:25-26, 30-32  “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. The say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?” … “Therefore,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The LORD declares.’ Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” declares the LORD. “They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:2-3, 6  Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! … Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The LORD declares.’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled.”

Matthew 7:15, 22-23  “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” … “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

            In Paul’s time the atmosphere was tense between Roman rule and Christian life. All kinds of manifestations were normal. It was important to distinguish between what came from God and that which came from evil. The very first litmus test should be “Does it point to the Truth of God?”

John 14:6-7  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 15:26 and  16:13  When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. … But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.

John 17:17  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

1 John 4:2-3  This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Your Word is Truth. Jesus is the way to your Truth. Thank you for preserving your written Word for thousands of years so that we might have a means of knowing your Truth and distinguishing that which is true from that which is false. Forgive us when we seek the enticing words of men and today’s self-proclaimed prophets rather than seeking truth in Your Word.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

The devotional Prophecy and Distinguishing Between Spirits appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com