Truth Will Set You Free

 John 8:31-32  …Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

            When I write, I have always been guided by whatever the Lord lays on my heart. My prayer is always that he will guide me in writing whatever it is that he wants others to read. Since I am not currently participating in any major social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) I am fully aware that my https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com readership is relatively small, although climbing. I claim no special gifts nor talents other than what my Heavenly Father has allowed me to have for the purposes of putting words on paper in an interesting way.

             Having been raised in a Christian home and having been blessed with several Pastors and Bible scholars on both my family line and my husband’s, I sincerely believe that I have a solid foundation in biblical truths and most doctrinal issues. The reader is always free to disagree.

            Jesus taught that those who hold fast to his teachings were his disciples. Jesus taught truth. Truth is what sets you free—free from sin by means of salvation, and free from the lure of the world’s view. But it isn’t always the world’s view that leads us astray. Sometimes we are misguided by the very things we hear from popular Christian leaders and teachers. Sometimes we think because the words come from some popular or important name, or some popular video or movie that the information must certainly be correct, otherwise why would it be so popular?

            Perhaps this is our first clue. Jesus was never very “popular” in social circles. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and other Jewish officials never welcomed Jesus to be their best buddy. But Jesus taught truth and he never wavered. Jesus was steadfast, never on a spiritual roller coaster of holy-roller-highs and down-in-the-valley-blues. Jesus knew who he was and who his Father was, and Jesus lived a consistently honorable and pleasing life to glorify his Father—not the world.    

            Yesterday, in “Keep Your Head,” I wrote about the next wave of spiritual enlightenment heading our way and in fact at our very doorstep. My heart literally aches for family and friends who are being lured toward the movement by the emotionalism of it all. I spoke of setting aside Bible paraphrases—no, actually I advised to stop reading them!—and to find a good solid translation. Dig into God’s Word daily. Know what it says. Know how to apply it.

            Tomorrow I will begin writing a brief series of devotionals regarding spiritual gifts so often referenced by today’s most popular leaders. Yes, I may be outranked by many preachers and theologians, but I am not ashamed to write the truth. I am not out to win popularity contests nor have my name among the most popular circles.  You are always free to disagree; free to follow the crowd; free to hop on the spiritual roller coaster and take a spin. My hope, my prayer, my trust is that you will join me for a few days and that your eyes might be opened to the truth found in God’s Word. Today I will simply close with a prayer:

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We ask forgiveness for our lack of diligence in studying your Word. Only by knowing your Word which is truth can we be aware of false teachings that sneak into our churches. We are tempted and enticed by the emotional lure of some type of spiritual high, when all along your Spirit resides in all who have come to salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive us for seeking something else, something better—because in reality we already have the best, which is You.

            On a personal note, Heavenly Father, guide me in writing truth.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional Truth Will Set You Free appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Keep Your Head

 2 Timothy 4:1-5  In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

            Never could there be a more dire need than now to warn God’s people to “keep their head” and to “preach the Word” and to “be prepared”! Periodically throughout modern history there have been times of highly, emotionally charged movements surging through our churches. The classic Pentecostal movement can be traced to the early twentieth century. We saw Healing Revival during the 1940’s and 1950’s.  That was a time which emphasized “gifts of the spirit.” Then came the 1960’s with the emergence of The Charismatic Movement emphasizing “gifts” and “speaking in tongues”; and throughout the 60’s and 70’s The Charismatic Movement migrated from Pentecostal to Lutherans, Presbyterians, Catholics, Methodists, Anglicans, Advent Christians, and Reformed. We also saw the 80’s and 90’s produce the Third Wave of the Holy Spirit movement, The Vineyard Movement, and the British New Church Movement. All of these movements feed on the emotionalism of its victims. These movements require a type of “special” baptism of the spirit—for them it is not enough to receive the Holy Spirit at conversion as taught in God’s Word—you must have something additional, something better and “deeper” than what everyone else has.

            Oh my dear friends, watch out! Be careful! Be on high alert! In my opinion, YES, it is merely an opinion that you must take for whatever you feel it is worth; one of the best things you can do is to stop reading paraphrased versions of the Bible and find a solid translation of the Bible! Be cautious when reading paraphrases (e.g., The Living Bible, The Voice, Good News for Modern Man, The Message), because while they main contain elements of translation, they are in fact paraphrases that tend to tug at your emotional side. Again, I stress this is just my opinion and you must consider it as you will. You are free to agree or disagree.

            My sincerest prayer is that precious loved ones and friends will not be taken in by the next and newest spiritual movements that are present even on our doorstep of time. Read your Bible daily. Know God’s Word so that you might be able to “keep your head” in all situations. Know that well-intending folk who are listening to what their itching ears want to hear will approach you from their mountain top experiences and make you feel like you might be missing out on something. Dear loved ones and friends, YOU ARE MISSING NOTHING if you have accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, because His Holy Spirit is already within you. You do not need a separate special “experience.” If Christ is in your heart, then the Holy Spirit is already in you leading you, guiding you, directing you, and comforting you. Be steadfast. Be strong. Stay firm in your faith. God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You know how my heart aches for dear loved ones and friends who are enticed by the lure of special experiences. Give them peace and grant them an upright and steadfast heart for you. Bring us back to a time of sound doctrine and truth.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional Keep Your Head appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

 

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

The Present is Not Our Future

 Psalm 34:17-19  The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

            The famous question is, Why do bad things happen to good people? The answer is simply that bad things happen. God created a world that was perfect and without need of fine-tuning nor adjustments. “And God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 24, 31). Things changed the moment man took his eyes off of the Creator, and instead began looking to that which was created for his guidance. The world from that point would be forever marred, altered, changed and bad would exist. Perhaps the real problem comes when we are already in a weakened state and errantly perceive that others—people of the world, not people of Christian faith—seem to be better off in their circumstances than what is happening in our own lives.

Proverbs 24:19-20  Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

            Good things happen to both good and bad people. Bad things happen to both good and bad people. Good and bad things happen. The difference is that Christians have a future of hope and non-Christians do not. For the non-Christian; whatever happens in this life, be it good or bad, is all they will ever have. They have no hope of a glorious future. Christians belong to a God who deeply cares for his faithful ones. He strengthens us in our weaknesses. He comforts us when we are brokenhearted and crushed. He sees us through the darkest hours. And one day, he will welcome us to our eternal home in his soon-coming Kingdom.

Revelation 21:4  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.

2 Peter 3:13-14 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we lose site of the future you have planned for us. In our weakness or distress, keep our eyes fixed on you, the source of all comfort and strength, and the hope for all eternity.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional The Present is Not Our Future appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Forget Not All His Benefits

 Psalm 103:2 (NIV)    Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Psalm 103:2 (NLT)   Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget all the good things he                           does for me.

·       calm in the midst of life’s strife, conflict, stress, challenges

·       a place to rest your head at night

·       food to nourish you

·       clothes to keep you warm and protected

·       family; parents, children young & not-so-young, distant relatives

·       friends, neighbors, acquaintances

·       jobs, co-workers

·       finances; whether great or small

·       good health, healthcare workers, medical staff

·       first responders, lab workers, engineers, volunteers in every field

·       farmers, ranchers, grocers, truckers

·       transportation; personal and commercial

·       plants for food and plants for beauty

·       our furry friends and all God’s creatures

            But most importantly, never forget the blessings of God’s gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ; the daily guidance and comfort of his Spirit; the promise of resurrection, and of eternal life in his soon-coming Kingdom.

Forget not all his benefits!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we become so absorbed in our lives that we fail to notice your abundant blessings. We have so much for which to be thankful. You are a good and loving, merciful Father. We offer to you our humble gratitude.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional Forget Not All His Benefits appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

Only Believe

 Matthew 19:26  Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

            Placing this verse in context, it comes at the conclusion of another teaching opportunity for Jesus to give his disciples. It is the story referred to as “The Rich Young Ruler” and we discover this young man was able to relinquish all for the sake of following Christ except his financial status. The young man’s financial status held a higher priority in his life than yielding to Christ. Jesus explained to the disciples how difficult this would make it for such a man to enter the kingdom of God – not because of the riches, but because of the young man’s inability to yield – which left the disciples wondering if any hope was left.  Jesus response is recorded in today’s verse.  With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

            So the question for us today is this; What is it in your life that has priority and keeps you from following Christ wholeheartedly? What is keeping you, or holding you back, from full and active service for him?

            Whatever the roadblock, it may seem impossible for you to solve it or fix it. And indeed, trying on your own effort seems overwhelmingly impossible. …but with God all things are possible. God can alleviate any roadblock in your path if you yield it to him. He knows all the possible solutions. In fact, even more than this; because of God’s infinite wisdom, he knows all the possible possibilities that could possibly exist. Once again, I am reminded of a favorite hymn:

Only Believe (Paul Rader, 1921)

Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne, from death into life He went for His own; All power in earth, all power above, is given to Him for the flock of His love.

Fear not, little flock, He goeth ahead, your Shepherd selects the path you must tread; The waters of Marah He’ll sweeten for thee, He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.

Fear not, little flock whatever your lot, He enters all rooms, the doors being shut; He never forsakes, He never is gone, so count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Only believe, only believe; all things are possible, only believe. 

       

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive our unyielding spirit. May we trust in your help and guidance to remove the roadblocks in our path, for with You, all things are possible.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional Only Believe appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

It's Not About the Great Fish

 Nahum 1:3, 7  The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. … The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

            Growing up the most I recall learning about Nineveh was in the context of Jonah’s story. And of course, as with most young folk the interest was always focused on the “great fish” part of the story. What I have learned in an historical context about Nineveh is that it became or once was the great capital of ancient Assyria. Other cities (e.g., Asshur, Calah) were also consider capital cities but Nineveh became historically significant when King Sennacherib made Nineveh his capital. Nineveh was located within the fertile plain of the Tigris River and was a most desirable location. It was a city so large that it required a 3-day journey to cross through it (Jonah 3:3).

            Nineveh initially listened to the prophet Jonah and repented. Yet once again they had relented to their former sinfulness and iniquity. Now it would be Nahum to bring the news of their final consequences. You see, the book of Nahum isn’t about the great fish. The book of Nahum reveals a truth that is well for us to heed today.

            God is slow to anger, yet he will not tolerate sin and rebellion. He will not ignore the guilty. There will be severe consequence of judgment for those who refuse to heed the warnings.

            Yet there is hope and good news; there is always hope. God is good. He is our refuge in times of trouble. He truly cares for those who put their trust in him. It was Jesus himself who commended Nineveh for repenting at the warning from Jonah; yet Jesus also condemned the Jewish leaders for ignoring His own message (Matthew 12:41). That message is abundantly clear:

The way of sin is destruction.

The way of Jesus Christ is salvation.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Remind us that what was true 3000+ years ago is still true today. Forgive our sinfulness and failings because we know you will not let the guilty go unpunished. We humbly thank you for your infinite mercy, and we acknowledge you as our source of strength and comfort in the midst of life’s challenges. Truly you care deeply for us.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional It’s Not About the Great Fish appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

It's Your Choice

 Acts 2:22-24  Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

            This is truth: Christ came to earth in human form as God’s ultimate plan of salvation for an errant humanity. Christ suffered. Christ bled. Christ was put to death on a cross—nailed to that cross. Christ died. Christ was buried. But this was NOT the end of the story!

            On the third day, Christ was raised from the dead. Death could not maintain its hold on him and Christ was resurrected. Christ also ascended into heaven and there he awaits God’s command to return to the earth to receive all those who remain faithful to God; both among the living and the dead. This is our Blessed Hope and promise from God.

            This brings us to today. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

            Friends, the Gospel message is actually a simple one. The hard work has been done by Christ. He is the one who suffered and bled and died for you. Your task is comparatively simple. Your task is to believe on his name and accept him as your Lord and Savior.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Oh, Lord God Almighty, you are so loving, so gracious, so merciful. You created us and gave us the ability to make choices. We chose poorly when man took our eyes off You, our Creator, and turned toward that which was created. But in your infinite mercy you had already prepared a plan that your only begotten Son would pay the penalty for our sinfulness. Although it was our choice to turn away; you make it possible for us to choose to return. You will not force us to choose you; instead you lovingly wait for us to choose you. We ask forgiveness, and we thank you for the gift of salvation through Christ.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional It’s Your Choice appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Words Fail Me

 Psalm 71:5-9, 14-18 (NLT)  O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O LORD, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. … But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more. I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. 

            The phrase, words fail me, apparently showed up in general use around the mid 1900’s. In my research I could not find an individual author credited with penning these words. The words are classified as an IDIOM (i.e., a group of words having a meaning which differs from the meaning of the individual words used). This particular idiom, words fail me, is used whenever one cannot think of what words to say in any given situation.

            Sometimes when a dear friend or loved one suffers with health issues, we cannot think of what to say. The growing list of people suffering from cancer, the effects of aging, and other serious long-term illnesses seems at times overwhelming. We rejoice in small victories of daily strength, and we thank our Heavenly Father for his mercy, comfort, and love. But what can we say to these dear individuals who are the ones having to do the “enduring” part? How do we encourage them? Words fail me.

            When words fail me, I turn to the Bible because God’s Word will NEVER fail. I see so much in our text today. In the midst of aging, King David cries out to God for comfort—yes—but there is more. Notice all the words of praise and thanksgiving? Ahhh, but notice something else! King David is not finished with life even though life within him seems to be finishing. King David still has a few jobs left to accomplish:

·       I am always praising God

·       My life is an example to many

·       I can never stop praising God

·       I declare God’s glory all day long

·       I will keep hoping for God’s help

·       I will praise God more and more

·       I will tell everyone about God’s righteousness

·       I will proclaim God’s saving power

·       I will proclaim God’s mighty deeds

·       I will tell everyone that God alone is just

·       I will constantly tell others about the wonderful things God does

·       Let me proclaim God’s power to this new generation

·       Let me proclaim God’s mighty miracles to all who come after me

            When my time comes to endure the aging process and my strength begins to ebb, how I pray that I might still have a job description similar to King David’s! Words may fail, and strength may fail, but I will close with another one of my favorite hymns:

 

Jesus Never Fails (A.A. Luther)

Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail;

One still loves and cares for you; One who will not fail.

Tho’ the sky be dark and drear, fierce and strong the gale’

Just remember He is near, and He will not fail.

In life’s dark and bitter hour love will still prevail;

Trust His everlasting pow’r, Jesus will not fail.

Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails;

Heav’n and earth may pass away but Jesus never fails.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            When words fail us, remind us to turn to you, for you will never fail. Give us the words to encourage others in their time of life’s challenges. May we always praise your Name.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional Words Fail Me appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

(revised from July 7, 2016)

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

Unexplainable Peace

 John 14:1, 27  Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. … Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

            We often revisit these verses, especially in today’s troubling times. It seems our hearts ache for the many family, friends, and acquaintances facing difficult needs and health issues. Our prayer lists grow longer each day. One thing is certain, faith in our Heavenly Father brings a peace in the midst of pain, suffering, or any challenge we might face—a depth of peace that the world simply cannot grasp nor understand. It is an unexplainable peace that calms our hearts and minds. I am reminded of a favorite hymn penned by W.D. Cornell and set to music by W.G. Cooper in the 19^th century:

Wonderful Peace

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm; In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace, Buried deep in the heart of my soul; So secure that no power can mine it away While the years of eternity roll;

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace, Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control; For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day, And his glory is flooding my soul.

Ah! soul, are you here without comfort or rest, Marching down the rough pathway of time? Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark; Oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime.

Peace! Peace! wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above; Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, In fathomless billows of love.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You know every concern of our hearts. When words fail us, you comfort us with your peace. We lift our requests to you and trust your providential care.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional Unexplainable Peace appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

Gentle Whispers and Thundering Storms

 1 Kings 19:11-13  The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 

Job 40: 6, 9  Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: … “Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his?”

            Most of us are familiar with the accounts of Elijah and Job. We know that God spoke to his people in a variety of ways. Perhaps in today’s time we place too much emphasis on the how God speaks to us, and not enough on the why God speaks to us, and we often completely ignore the follow through parts of God’s Word.

1 Samuel 3:10  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

James 1:22  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

            The lesson is clear. God may speak by various means, and today it is primarily through his written Word. In our hearts, we know what we should be doing, God’s Word in scripture is clear. Why do we hesitate on the follow through? Is it because we want some big emotional experience, flashing lights, thunderous noise, some type of mental electric zapping? Do we hope for some big important story to tell about “our experience?” Dear friends, our calling is the call to obedience and faithfulness. You already know God’s Word in your heart, now follow through.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us for letting opportunities to serve you slip past us unattended to. Give us the mind and heart to be obedient to your Word.

            In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The devotional Gentle Whispers and Thundering Storms appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com