Christmas Simplicity

            If you are in any way familiar with my blog and style of writing, then you know the first place to start reading is at the title. It often provides a clue to the blog content. Okay, you’ve had a moment to glance back at the title “Christmas Simplicity” and by now you are thinking, “What an oxymoron!” [def. oxymoron: figure of speech in which contrary terms are combined] How in the world am I able to combine the word Christmas with any form of the word simple? It would seem, at least from the world’s view, that Christmas is utter chaos packed with shopping, parties, events, cooking, decorations—you name it, the list goes on and on.

            For me, Christmas is the simple reminder that God so loved me that He sent his One and Only Son to earth to bring me the free gift of salvation. In addition, endurance, encouragement, hope, joy, peace—these are all mine because God promised them to me if I will follow Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:4-6, 13 (NIV)  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

            To me, the simplicity of Christmas is this:

·         The Bible is truth. It is God’s Holy Word. I can fully trust its promises.

·         The Bible teaches me endurance (e.g., how to continue, persevere, remain steadfast, how to put up with, how to withstand pain, distress, fatigue). As I learn and practice Jesus Christ’s example of endurance, I find the promised gift of peace. Endurance leads to peace!

·         The Bible teaches me encouragement (e.g., hope, confidence, support). As I learn and practice Jesus Christ’s example of encouragement, I find the promised gift of joy. Encouragement leads to joy!

Christmas is a time to step back from the clutter, chaos, and hubbub of the secular interpretation of the season, and remember the TRUE reason for celebrating Christmas. The simple reason: Christ’s birth brings us salvation. Christ’s birth brings hope, joy, and peace. To me, this is the most amazing part of celebrating Christmas! It is our opportunity to glorify our Heavenly Father by showing Christ to the world so desperately in need of hope, joy, and peace!

Christmas Simplicity = The Birth of Christ = Glory to God!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We humbly thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. May everything we think, say, and do—our primary focus—be reflecting the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of a Savior. Thank you for the promise gifts of endurance, encouragement, hope, joy, and peace.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Christmas Simplicity appeared first on Write From My Heart at 

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Justified

Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

            Many years ago as a teenager attending summer camp, I heard the best definition of being justified and it stayed with me all these years. I have no idea to whom credit should be given for this definition, but I share it with you:

Justified:  just-as-if-I’d never sinned 

            It is through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior that we gain access to God’s peace and grace. Truly this brings joy when our hope is placed in God’s glory. Whether days may be bright or dreary, whether our current circumstances find good health or pain, no matter what the day brings—it brings hope and joy for those who place their faith and trust in God. Additionally, no matter what mistakes or wrongdoing we have done, nor how we have erred in the past; once we have been justified by God's grace, nothing from the past will drag behind us like a shadow. God is faithful to forgive us and we are justified through faith in Christ. We don’t deserve this, but it is graciously provided by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is the sacrificial gift of Christ that frees us from all blame and guilt just-as-if-I’d never sinned; allowing us to find peace with God and hope in him.

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

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your great love and mercy. Thank you for the gift of salvation through the sacrificial gift of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for forgiveness that leaves us fully justified. May we never take this for granted. In you we find peace, hope, and joy.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Justified appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Therefore I Have Hope

Lamentations 3:1-20 (NIV)  I am a man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked. Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding, he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help. He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows. He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver. I became a laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall. He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

            And we think WE have it rough? Most of us have never experienced true affliction as described by Jeremiah, and by God’s mercy will never be placed in that position. What we do experience are daily consequences of the aging process, or as my Uncle used to say, “the affects of accumulated birthdays.” What we do experience are results of living a Christian life in a world that seeks only self. What we do experience are temporary times of spiritual drought when we wonder why? what if? when? how? how long? Thankfully, Jeremiah not only defined true affliction for us, but he also defined the correct response.

Lamentations 3:21-26 (NIV)  Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we become disheartened by life’s circumstances. Remind us your mercies are new with each day and your faithfulness never ceases. Therefore we have hope.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Therefore I Have Hope appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Bezalel and Oholiab

Bezalel and Oholiab—sure, you remember them, don’t you? No, most of us do not remember their names, nor who they were, nor what they accomplished that placed their names in the Scriptures.

Exodus 31:1-6 (NIV)  Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahishamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.” (c.f., Exodus 35:30-36:1)

            Bezalel and Oholiab were in charge of designing and making the Tent of Meeting, all its furnishings, even the priestly garments. Quite a long list of accomplishments!

            What does this have to do with us? Simply this: God furnished all the skill, talent, knowledge and ability for Bezalel and Oholiab to do the task he set before them. God will also furnish you with all the skill, talent, knowledge and ability to do whatever task he sets before you. The temptation is for us to view the skills and abilities of someone else, and then by comparison view ourselves as somehow inadequate or lacking. The key is to stop focusing on what others can do and start focusing on what God is leading you to do. Remember this; the disciples were fishermen; Paul was a tent-maker; Lydia sold purple dye; Dorcus made children’s clothing; Jubal was a musician; Tertius was a scribe. All of them were dedicated to doing the Lord’s work.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for the skills, talents, knowledge and abilities you have graciously gifted to us. Forgive us when we hesitate or whine about the tasks you set before us. Create in us a new enthusiasm for serving you in whatever capacity you require and let us work with confidence that your Presence will guide us.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Bezalel and Oholiab appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Anything That Disrupts Your Focus

Jonah 2:8 (NIV)  Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

            I enjoy the story of Jonah, particularly because just as Jonah ran away from God (i.e., opposite direction); God delivered him to the exact place he should have been traveling all along. Too often we overlook the little golden nuggets of truth while getting caught up in the story line. Tucked away in the familiar story of Jonah is a small 13-word verse, but what a powerful and timely message it brings; especially during the rush of this holiday season.

            We commonly think about idols as being man-made objects and images to represent any number of false gods. True. However, by definition, an idol is anything which captures your attention, devotion, or admiration. In short, an idol can be anything that draws you away from focusing on God, his Word, or his plan for your life. When I (or we) allow anything to disrupt our focus on God, the consequence is clear—we lose the grace that could have been our during the time we allowed ourselves to be distracted. God grace is abundant and free to all who call upon him—to all who believe. How sad to forfeit even a brief moment of God’s unmerited love and favor because we are too busy with our own worldly agendas or prideful possessions. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament make it perfectly clear:

Exodus 20:3 (NIV)  You shall have no other gods before me.

Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)  Jesus replied, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we become so distracted by our calendars and possessions that we neglect our focus upon you. We humbly thank you for the grace you so freely and generously offer. As you redirected Jonah, we humbly ask you to redirect our focus upon you.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Anything That Disrupts Your Focus appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Those of Good Birth

Philippians 4:5 (NIV)  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

            Quite frankly I have skipped over this verse enumerable times as I focus on the other exhortations listed in the fourth chapter of Philippians. And even when I did notice it, I just glossed over it thinking it just meant to be calm, not harsh or rude. Today, it stood out like a neon sign.

gentleness (def., having qualities considered appropriate for those of good birth; of the upper classes; refined; people of good birth)

            The thought came to me; What better or more noble birth could there be than to be a born again Christian?

John 3:3 (NIV)  Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.

            This, in turn, raised a barrage of questions:  When others see me, is the fact that I am born again through Christ evident to all? Do they see my Christian heritage by the way I live each day and by the way I react to daily circumstances? Does the nobility of Christ shine through me?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your forgiveness, for your mercy, and for your love. Thank you that in Christ I am a person born of nobility and good birth. I pray that in every circumstance the gentleness of Christ living in me might be evident to all.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Those of Good Birth appeared first on Write From My Heart at 

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Calmly Tolerating Delay

James 5:7-8 (NLT)  Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

            There are many definitions for the word patient. To be honest, I think that it is easier for me to be patient (i.e., endure without complaining) or to be patient (i.e., refusing to be provoked) than it is for me to be patient (i.e., calmly tolerate delay). Waiting for something is not in my strength toolbox. When it comes to waiting for the Second Coming of Christ, I used to pray “Lord, come quickly” reciting Revelation 22:20 (KJV) Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Then I discovered something that changed my perspective.

2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)  The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

            Each day we calmly tolerate delay is another day for someone to hear the Gospel and accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. That makes the waiting totally worth it all. Now, when it comes to my thoughts about the Second Advent of Christ, I spend time in prayer for all those family and friends who may need time to renew their commitment to the Lord because his coming is surely near; his return is imminent. The best thing you can do as you calmly tolerate delay is to pray for others.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for each precious day you provide for others to hear the Good News and accept Christ as their Savior. Forgive our desire for haste. Thank you for the opportunity to pray.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Calmly Tolerating Delay appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version (cum privilegio), undated, Cambridge University Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Let Intimidation Generate Determination

Nehemiah 6:8-9 (NLT)  I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

            Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem...scoundrels, tattletales, schemers, and dissenters. Their target? Nehemiah. Why? The walls of the city of Jerusalem were broken down and the city was defenseless. It was Nehemiah who not only saw the problem, but stepped forward to do something about it. The whole story can be found in the first six short chapters of Nehemiah, and if you have not read the story recently, I would encourage you to do so.

            How ironic that Nehemiah had to deal with the “woke” culture of his day. There they were—the little handful of naysayers—chirping out their rumors and lies and doing their best to discredit Nehemiah. Their goal was a simple one of discouragement in the hopes of causing Nehemiah to lose confidence in his own ability to complete the task. [Sounds like it could be the front page of today’s news!] Here’s the bottom line and the lesson for us to contemplate: Nehemiah let intimidation generate determination.

            Perhaps you feel the Lord is leading you to be more active in your prayer life, your church life, or community involvement. For me, it was getting back to writing devotionals and posting them publicly. I have a dear friend who faithfully posts daily scriptures to a small group of women; a cousin who plays piano and posts daily hymns and uplifting music; and another cousin who faithfully posts daily scripture verses—all these efforts bring hope and encouragement to more people than any of them will ever realize! There will always be woke naysayers of some type in every generation. In spite of this, I ask you to join me in keeping your resolve firmly fixed on serving the Lord in whatever capacity he leads you. Nehemiah’s task was a difficult one and mine is minuscule compared to his. You may think your task is trivial. Just remember this, NO task is too small when it is dedicated to serving God!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You have called each of us to complete certain tasks according to the abilities you have given us. You also know when our hearts are discouraged by doubts or even the unkindness of others whether it is intentional or unintentional. Let the intimidation we sense create in us an even greater determination to serve you.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Let Intimidation Generate Determination appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Anxiety Has a Remedy

Psalm 94:18-19 (NLT)  I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

            Here we are during the holiday season and our hearts should be festive and merry. I’m not sure about you, but being joyful 24-7 is not an easy task. So many people deal with job stress, financial stress, health issues, family concerns, even world events...and none of those things take a break just because it’s the holiday season. However, there is one thing I know for certain. God’s love is amazing! God’s love is unfailing! God’s love is comforting! God’s love is renewing! God’s love is yours. 

Your Heavenly Father’s love is the remedy for any anxiety you may be experiencing.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We thank you for the joy of the season in which we remember your ultimate gift of love; the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ—our Savior and Lord. You are always aware of our life circumstances and you see each stress, anxiety, doubt, or challenge we face. Remind us that your love is there to support us, comfort us, cheer us, and bring us hope.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Anxiety Has a Remedy appeared first on Write From My Heart at 

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

TREASURE - something of great value

Malachi 3:16-17 (NLT)  Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

            I have often looked at this passage, even including it in many of my previous writings. However, it never ceases to amaze me what new things I can add to my understanding when I look carefully. This morning I discovered at least two points of interest.

            First, did you notice the people were speaking amongst themselves; but the LORD listened to what they said. This is a great reminder to each of us that we may not be speaking directly to our Heavenly Father...but he is always listening, not only to our spoken words, but to the words in our hearts.

            Another interesting point concerns the scroll of remembrance. This list of names wasn’t created to help God remember because his memory is without flaw. The list was created to help the people remember their commitment to obey, honor, and serve the LORD God Almighty and him alone. God knows each of us. He will not forget his faithful people. It is we who need to remember our pledge to serve him in all that we think, in all that we say, and in all of our actions. When we are obedient to God, when we fear him, and when we always think about the honor of his name, then we are his treasure—something of great value to him—something he will keep as his own.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we forget you are always listening to our words and to our hearts. Remind us that we are your valued treasure and you will not forget us. Create in us a new resolve to honor you with our thoughts, our words, and our service.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional TREASURE—something of great value appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Walk in the Light

1 John 1:5-9 (NLT)  This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

            When we think of sin, we often only think of really atrocious things like murder, theft, and other things obviously abhorrent in any normal society. However when we consider that sin by definition is “missing the mark”—ANY thing that leads us away from God’s light—the light we have through salvation in Christ—then we have much more thinking to do.

If we agree that the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (cf. Galatians 5:22-23); then we must also agree that sin is anything that misses the mark and leads to hatred, bitterness, discontentment, rudeness, those things questionable or objectionable, harshness, even undisciplined actions. It includes things like malice, but also envy. It includes hatred, but also gossip. It includes rudeness, but also snippy or insulting remarks. This puts things in a little different perspective for us. I think that is one reason I appreciate the reminder, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.”

            Wonderful news! There is salvation through Christ that cleanses us from all of our sins and failures leading us away from God’s light. Through Christ we can have the light of God’s Word in our hearts. What a beautiful light it is! In closing, I would like to share the words from an old familiar hymn:

“Walk in the Light” (words by Asa Hull, 19^th century)

Walk in the light the Lord hath given, to guide your steps aright;

His Holy Spirit sent from heaven, can cheer the darkest night.

Walk in the light of gospel truth, that shines from God’s own Word;

A light to guide in early youth the faithful of the Lord.

Walk in the light! tho’ shadows dark like spectres cross your way;

Darkness will flee before the light of God’s eternal day.

Walk in the light—the beautiful light of God.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive those things in our lives that lead us away from you. Guide us to show the light of your Word to a world still living in darkness.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Walk in the Light appeared first on Write From My Heart at 

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Plans for Making Plans

Proverbs 21:30 (NLT)  No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.

Psalm 33:11 (NLT)  But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)  We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

James 4:13-17 (NLT)  Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like a morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

            Fall seems to be the ultimate Planning Season of our lives. Planning for the holidays, planning family gatherings, planning meals, planning parties, and making resolutions as we are planning for the coming new year. Do these scriptures mean we shouldn’t be making plans? Of course not. If you read the James passage closely, you realize the error is in planning for self-gain. In fact, failure comes in not doing what we know we should do. The whole point of these verses, at least in my mind and in my heart, is that when I make plans—daily, seasonal, yearly, long-range—I should be doing so with the clear understanding that God has ultimate control and his plans may differ from mine. What it tells me, is that before making any plans I should be prayerful and have confidence that what I plan to do is in line with those things that are right and good according to God’s Word; things that will ultimately bring honor and glory to God through my life.

            So how does all this work in the everyday nitty gritty of life? Well, I’m pretty sure God would want me to keep a clean home, and although I’m fairly good at that, there is still plenty of room for improvement. When I make plans to spend time on cleaning projects that’s the right thing to do. I’m confident God has given me a modest talent for writing and when I make plans to spend time in that activity, I’m sure I’m making a good choice with the ultimate goal being to honor God. I know beyond doubt that God wants us to encourage one another, so making plans to write, call, text, or visit someone is also something that is a good plan. God wants me to take care of myself, so I know plans for future medical appointments are part of a worthy long-range plan. Finally, I need to remember that God’s ways are greater than my ways and his thoughts far beyond my own. I need to be ready and willing to obey whenever my plans are interrupted by some new or different plan or opportunity God places before me.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for giving us clear instructions and guidelines in your Word. Remind us that what you have planned for us comes first over any of our own plans. Guide us in making those personal plans that are in line with your will for us as a faithful Christian. Grant us a ready, willing, and obedient spirit to seek you first in all that we think, say, and do; and to complete the tasks and opportunities you provide.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)  Commit your actions to the LORD and your plans will succeed.

 

The devotional Plans for Making Plans appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

God Knows Our Hearts

1 John 3: 18, 20 (NLT)  Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

            There is a well worn saying, “actions speak louder than words.” Most often it seems used to point out the negative perspective, but my heart tells me in light of today’s text that we should view it from a positive perspective. It is one thing to tell someone you love them, but are your words backed up with positive actions? Do you encourage them? Do you pray for them? Do you periodically contact them and check to make sure all is well? God truly knows our hearts and feelings. He knows when our love for someone is merely lip service and when it is genuine. As we think about those whom we love, what can we do to make sure our actions support our words?

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We are so truly grateful for the sacrifice of your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ – the greatest action of love ever demonstrated. We may never be called to give our lives, but we are called to show our love for others in ways beyond mere words. You know the sincerity of our hearts, guide us in your truth. Thank you for the opportunities you provide to show love and kindness to others.

                                    In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional God Knows Our Hearts appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Walking the Balance Beam

Psalm 40:2 (NLT)  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

            This morning as old memory (very old) surfaced. Back in junior high days one of the required state standards in physical education was demonstrating our sense of balance by walking across a balance beam, pivoting on our toes, and returning back across the beam. I can remember our coach telling us to imagine ourselves walking across a log stretched out over a muddied pond; to take each step slowly as we went, and above all never look down.

            Most days we scoot through life never considering our footing. Everything seems as solid as it can be and we seldom stop to think where our feet will take us as we travel from point to point. However, there are those days when each of us feels as if we are traveling across a muddy pit on a very thin beam. On days such as those, using mud and mire as an analogy for the pit of despair seems so accurate and appropriate. Each step seems to be a struggle, and the only log available for our footing seems to grow thinner and more precarious with each step.

            During times like these, how thankful and blessed we are to have a Heavenly Father who watches over us. He is the one who provides sure footing as we travel across the muddy pits of life. He steadies us and will never abandon us. He always stays within prayer’s reach.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            When life’s burdens seem to close in around us, thank you for keeping us steady. Remind us how close you stay to us. Thank you for your love and care.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Walking the Balance Beam appeared first on Write From My Heart at 

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Working on Our Assignments

Acts 20:24 (NLT)  But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful Grace of God.

Ephesians 6:19-20 (NLT)  And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. ... So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

            Those who follow my writing know this is a topic that is frequently on my mind. I always begin with prayer and study before I write, and often my prayer is simply to ask the Lord to lay on my heart whatever it is that he knows someone else (or myself) needs to read. For me, I feel writing is my “assignment” but one which I enjoy and look forward to completing each day. Writing brings purpose and satisfaction to my retirement days. Like Paul, I also try to focus on sharing the Good News as well as offering words of encouragement to others. Paul’s words recorded in the Acts passage were actually written as he knew he would be facing jail and suffering in city after city (cf. v23). Most of us face no such threat, yet still we lack confidence and boldness in sharing the Good News with others. Yet what better time could there be than now to find our voice?

            Each of us has our own “assignment.” It might be small acts of encouraging others. It might be sharing music. I might be contacting others to make sure they are well. It might be continuing to work in your chosen profession or occupation while being keenly aware of opportunities to offer a quick word of hope to those in need. It might be simply spending time quietly in prayer lifting up those who need God’s comfort, healing, hope, peace, and strength. We all have purpose and can be useful to our Heavenly Father in more ways than we could possibly imagine. What is your assignment?

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for giving us work to do for your glory and honor. Forgive us when we hesitate or procrastinate. May we quickly and faithfully respond to the opportunities you provide.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Working on Our Assignments appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.