A Call to Persevere

Jude v. 3-4  Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Jude v. 17-21  But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

            Each generation of Christians looks at their surrounding world and wonders how things could possibly stray any further from God’s original design of a good and righteous creation that would honor him. It seems like the words of Isaiah ring far more truthfully today than ever before:

Isaiah 59:14-15 So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

            So what are we to do? Jude does not leave us in a distraught state of mind, for there is hope—there is always hope.

Jude v. 20-22  But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt…

            The answer is a simple one; we are to persevere (i.e., continue on in spite of difficulty or opposition) and be the Christ-like example we are called to be in dark and tainted world. And then Jude gives us the most comforting of doxologies:

Jude v. 24-25  To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            At times we become overwhelmed with the social and political declines all around us. We wonder how much longer it will be until the blessed hope of your promised return. Forgive our impatience and our doubting. Create in us a steadfast resolve to reflect your love and to honor you in everything that we do, or say, or even think. Give us the strength to persevere until you come. Thank you for your mercy and grace.

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

 

The devotional A Call to Persevere appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

From the First Law of Kipple

            Years ago, I was reading a science fiction book, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Philip K. Dick, 1968); and to be honest, I never finished it because I felt I could (and should) be filling my mind with much better material. Yet there were a couple of quotes that stuck with me.

·       Kipple is useless objects.  When nobody’s around, Kipple reproduces itself.
·       The First Law of Kipple: Kipple drives out non-Kipple.
·       No one can win against Kipple, except temporarily and maybe in one spot.
·       It’s a universal principle operating throughout the universe; the entire universe is moving toward a final state of total, absolute Kippleization.

            Now at the time, I found humor in this because I was in the process of making every attempt to de-clutter all the nooks, crannies, and closets in my home. And I thought to myself, Yes, clutter reproduces itself when nobody is around. And yes, clutter drives out non-clutter. And yes, at times I’m overwhelmed and think I cannot win against clutter. And yes, clutter seems to be taking over my world perhaps even to a total state of clutterization. (I hope you can envision and share in my humor.)

            But that was then, and this is now, as they say. Today I wonder if we might substitute other words in place of the word kipple. What about things like worry? stress? chaos? These things, too, multiply if left unchecked. These things, too, drive away non-worry, non-stress, and non-chaos—to be clear, they drive away PEACE. The one spot where we can always win against such kipple as worry, stress, and chaos is at the feet of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He provides a peace which the world cannot understand nor is it able to comprehend. Perhaps we could all use a re-fresher course straight from God’s Word. In closing, let’s remind ourselves of several favorite Bible verses to help us drive away any “non-PEACE kipple” that might be distracting us today:

Matthew 6:27, 33-34  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:6-7  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Today I have written with humor, but the truth is that many of us are struggling with things that drive away the peace in our lives. The only lasting peace is your peace that you provide so willingly and graciously. Turn our hearts toward you, calm our fears and anxieties, and strengthen us with your peace.

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

 

The devotional From the First Law of Kipple appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Psalm 27:5  For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 55:6, 8  I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. … I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.”

Psalm 57:1  Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

            Sometimes we battle the literal storms of life—earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, or even oppressive heat waves. Even as I write, I have many dear family and friends making preparations as hurricane Idalia reaches the Florida Gulf coast. During such times we literally place our trust in our Heavenly Father to be with us, to calm our fears, and to keep us safe until the storm passes.

            Sometimes we battle the internal storms of life—worries and concerns for our children,  the stress of caring for aging friends and loved ones, or our own physical health concerns, emotional concerns, financial concerns and other similar stresses that weigh heavily on our minds. Our Heavenly Father knows all about those storms, too.

            Dear friends, today you might be facing literal storms or internal storms, or perhaps both. This is one thing of which you can be certain, God is with you and his Spirit dwells within you—bringing you the peace, strength, calmness, and assurance you need until the storm passes by.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm (Ira D. Sankey)

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide. A shelter in the time of storm;

            Secure whatever ill betide, A shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night, A shelter in the time of storm;

            No fears alarm, no foes affright, A shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat, A shelter in the time of storm;

            We’ll never leave our safe retreat, A shelter in the time of storm.

O Rock divine, O Refuge dear, A shelter in the time of storm;

            Be Thou our helper ever near, A shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, A weary land, a weary land;

            Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, A shelter in the time of storm.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your watchful care over us. You know each storm of life we face whether it is a literal, physical storm, or whether it is an internal storm. You send just the right amount of peace and comfort we need until the storm subsides. You are our Shelter and Safe Retreat. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and loving care.

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

 

The devotional A Shelter in the Time of Storm appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Daily "To Do..." List

I Thessalonians 5:12-16 (NLT)  Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

            How often do we read a passage of scripture, but perhaps because it is a familiar passage to us, it becomes easy to skip over some of the words or skim lightly through it. We are told not only to be hearers of the Word, but to be doers also (Luke 11:28, James 1:22). So what would it look like if we took the time to make a “To Do…” list as we read familiar passages as noted above? Perhaps it would look like this:

þ   honor leaders, especially those doing the Lord’s work

þ   show great respect

þ   show wholehearted love

þ   live peacefully with others

þ   warn those who are lazy

þ   encourage those who are the timid or shy

þ   take tender care of the weak

þ   be patient with everyone

þ   always try to do good

þ   always have a joyful attitude

þ   never stop praying

þ   be thankful in all circumstances

            Here is another question. What if this became our DAILY “To Do…” List?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us for the many ways we fall short of living Christ-like lives in this marred and tainted world. We are to not only hear/read your words, but we are also to put it into practice in our daily lives and we need your strength and courage to do so. Forgive our inadequacies and failures, and help us to begin afresh today. Thank you for your tender mercies.

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

 

The devotional Daily “To Do…” List appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

 

Measurements of Time

    “Could we live even beyond the Age of the first race of men, which reaches to near a thousand years; yet even then we should be wretched, since still it must pass away; and how short does it appear when it is gone? But above all, how insignificantly short in the sight of God!”

--Walter Shirley (1725-1786) English clergyman and hymn-writer

 

Psalm 90:12 (NIV)  Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

            I have not had the pleasure of meeting many people who enjoy perusing Genesis Chapter 5. In fact, it is quite possibly one of the leading causes of modern day Christians to avoid reading the King James Version of the Bible.  (Ex: he lived # of years, he begat, then lived # years, etc.) Genesis Chapter 5 is the genealogical line from Adam to Noah. However it also reveals the age range of the first race of men. A condensed summary looks like this: Adam 930, Seth 912, Enosh 905, Kenan 910, Mahalalel 895, Jared 962, Enoch 365 (cf. Genesis 5:24), Methuselah 969, Lamech 777, and Noah 950. And hence the reference to “near a thousand years” in the Walter Shirley quote noted above. Yet even this, as Shirley states, is “insignificantly short in the sight of God!”

            God is the Creator of time as humans know and understand time. God created the system of stars and planets both rotating and revolving that would generate the time increments of hours, days, months, years—those time measurements so valued in human minds. Yet the LORD God Almighty is not confined to operate within the limits of human time measurements. God is eternal—he always was, he is, and he always will be—past, present, and future all together as one eternity.

            At this point, several thoughts occur to me. The act of numbering our days—recognizing that time for us is short—opens our hearts to wisdom found in God’s Word. Here are just a few thoughts for you to ponder as you have time (pun intended).

·       Two significant consequences of man’s sinful nature related to time are man’s mortality (cf. Psalm 90:3; Genesis 3:19) and man’s shortened life span (cf. Genesis 6:3).
·       God does not operate on the time measurements and calendars of man but on his own timing (cf. Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8).
·       Time as it relates to man is fleeting and temporary, but time as it relates to God is infinite. Therefore we begin to understand how things we see (e.g., plants, animals, family, friends, earthly possessions) are temporary, but things we cannot see are eternal (e.g., God the Father, God the Son-Jesus Christ, God the Holy Spirit, faith in God, God’s amazing grace, abundant love, unexplainable peace, blessed hope) (cf. II Corinthians 4:15-18; Colossians 3:1-2).
·       Understanding the shortness of our lifespan does not allow time for dwelling in the past (cf. Ecclesiastes 6:10, 14; Philippians 3:13-14).
·      Understanding the shortness of our lifespan provides motivation to use every minute wisely (cf. Colossians 3:23-24; Colossians 4:5; Ephesians 5:15-17; James 1:22; James 4:17).

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We get so wrapped up in our own lives that we often fail to see the values found in your eternal plan. Forgive our haste. Teach us that in your plan, every moment you have provided us is to be used wisely for your honor and glory.

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

 

The devotional Measurements of Time appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

Shirley, Walter. Twelve Sermons Preached Upon Several Occasions. Sermon #3: “On the Great     Importance of Time.” HardPress.net, Miami, 2017. (Kindle)

The LORD God Almighty - Our Lord

 Psalm 8:1 and 9 (NIV)  LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

            The eighth Psalm is attributed to David and he both opens and closes this song by recognizing the sovereignty of the very name of the LORD God Almighty. Words carry interesting connotations. Something regarded as majestic is considered to be sovereign; one who is sovereign is regarded as above all others, supreme in both power and authority. Clearly David not only considers the very name of the LORD to be supreme in both power and authority, but he further identifies the Almighty as our Lord—our personal Lord.

            If you want to send chills up your spine, let that soak in for a moment. The very LORD who is above all others in power and authority—the very LORD who created all that exists, including you—is also the same personal Lord of your life who cares about every aspect and detail of your life. Nothing in your life is hidden from him, nor is anything unimportant to him. The LORD God Almighty, our Lord, is not only with us every moment of every day, but he is attentive in every way.

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

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 6:9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

            The Book of Malachi is full of warnings; many warnings are specifically directed toward the priests and leaders of Israel. The common root of most of the warnings listed stem from one major problem—failure to honor and revere the name of the LORD God Almighty. Perhaps this is also our problem. Have we so weakened and watered down our religious faith that we fail to tremble at the very name of the One who created us?

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

Oh LORD, our God and Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us for failure to honor your name. Your name is majestic, sovereign, above all others in power and authority. Yet you allow us to be yours through the gift of your Son’s life.  With such a gift, how can we but humble ourselves before you? Thank you for being both the LORD God Almighty and our Lord.

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

 

The devotional The LORD God Almighty – Our Lord appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

Matters of the Heart Matter

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)  As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

            Matters (i.e., whatever occupies space and is perceptible to the senses in some way) of the heart matter (i.e., something of great importance or significance).

            We may not be able to control our circumstances, our situations, nor our surroundings. We may not be able to control health issues, financial issues, nor social issues that affect us each day. However the one thing that we do have the ability to control is our attitude and what flows from our hearts. Even when we think we are guarding our hearts well, our actions speak far more clearly about us than our words. You can be certain that those without Christ are always watching those who proclaim to be “Christian.” They silently watch how Christians react to their circumstances. So the question becomes this:

 

When faced with adversity, difficulty, or any other negativity this tainted world offers, do we react with doom and gloom, or do we turn to our Heavenly Father?

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We are humbled by the very thought that you know each struggle or difficulty we face. Keep our hearts positive and focused on you that we may be a guiding light in a world of darkness.

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

 

The devotional Matters of the Heart Matter appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

 

God Knows the Good in You

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)  The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

            Perhaps it’s a little odd, but typically we view this verse in a negative light. What I mean is this; all too often we view it in the sense that Big Brother is watching you so you better not step out of line. While that might have a layer of accuracy, I think as I read this verse I have a clearer understanding of just how much my Heavenly Father loves me. He is willing to overlook all my insecurities, mistakes, blunders, and all the little idiosyncrasies that annoy others—all my transgressions and sins—everything is covered beneath the redeeming blood of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What my Heavenly Father sees is a precious child of his who is making every attempt to serve and please him. Where others see me with a critical eye, My Heavenly Father sees my heart.

            The very same is true for you, too, my friend. You may not view yourself as a precious child—but indeed you are. You may be tempted to withdraw because of how others view you—but your Heavenly Father sees your heart of faith. When you are tempted to feel discouraged or alone or think no one cares—your Heavenly Father knows every detail and he cares deeply for you. You are redeemed by the blood of His only begotten Son, and you are his precious child. He sees your heart. He knows the good in you.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for seeing the best in us when we are tempted to see the worst. Thank you for the reminder that in Christ, we become your precious child.

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

 

The devotional God Knows the Good in You appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

 

 

From the Wisdom of Agur and James

           Two authors of scripture, among many, have had a profound influence on my devotional writing. I thought perhaps today might be a good morning to share with you why I write from my heart as well as what is on my mind while I am writing. I have often stated that I not only write for the encouragement of my readers, but often I am writing things that I, too, need to read. Perhaps this is such a time.

From the Wisdom of Agur

Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV)  “Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

            Agur wanted two things—he wanted truth, not lies and falsehood. In our modern times we are inundated with anything and everything with most things contrary to the truth. King Solomon warned us that God created mankind to be upright but instead, mankind went in search of their many schemes (cf. Ecclesiastes 7:29). Isaiah warned us to seek the LORD while he could be found and to call on him while he is near and to forsake the thoughts of the unrighteous (cf. Isaiah 55:6-7). Amos warned us that there would be a time of great famine, not of food or water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD (cf. Amos 8:11-12). Is it any wonder that Agur prayed for God to give him truth? Is this not also the very prayer that grips our hearts today—that God would help us know what is right and true according to his Word?

            Agur also asked God to grant him “just enough.” Not too much, not too little, but just what was needed for sustaining daily life. Too much—and the temptation might be to disown the LORD and think we can do it on our own. Too little—and the temptation might be to steal what is not our own. For me as a writer, this translates well when putting the Wisdom of James into action.

From the Wisdom of James

James 1:5 (KJV)  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

            I truly enjoy the words of the “old fashioned” King James version. God gives his wisdom to anyone who would ask, and not only that, he gives it liberally. In addition; dig out your dictionaries (or Google it) and you discover that  upbraideth means God won’t scold or chide you for not knowing—he will simply guide your understanding. But just in case you want to read it in a more modern language, here it is again:

James 1:5 (NIV)  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

            Now when I combine the two passages and apply them to my devotional writing, my prayer sounds like this:

Dear Heavenly Father,

            As I sit down to write today, keep me honest and truthful in what I write. Guide my understanding of the scriptures and give me just the right amount of understanding that you trust me to handle correctly. I don’t want too much wisdom, or I might become conceited and fail to give you the glory and honor for whatever is written. I don’t want too little wisdom, or I might sound foolish and people will disregard the message you want me to convey. Heavenly Father, help me write whatever it is that you want someone else to read—even if that someone else is me.

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

            Friends, what is it that the Lord is laying on your heart to accomplish? Ask your Heavenly Father for help in remaining truthful and honest and help to avoid being distracted by worldly thoughts and influences. Ask him for wisdom and guidance—not too much, not too little—but just the right amount each day to complete the tasks and opportunities he has given you.

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 

            The devotional From the Wisdom of Agur and James appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com