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  

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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  

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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 

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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  

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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.

First Pray - Then Find Your Voice

John 3:16 (KJV)  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

            Most people can recite John 3:16, and if they learned it as a child, most likely they will recite it in the King James’ Version. Few know John 3:17, and probably still fewer know John 14:6 although they may recognize it once they read it. Together with Romans 10:13 they reveal the Gospel Good News.

John 3:16-17 (NLT)  For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

John 14:6 (NLT)  Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Romans 10:13 (NLT)  for “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”

            Most of us know at least one or perhaps several friends and loved ones—especially close family members—who have not yet made the decision to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Or perhaps they once knew Christ, but for whatever reason have drifted away. Few of us ever engage them in conversation for a variety of fears. We are timid; we are shy. We don’t want to make them uneasy. We don’t know how they will react. We don’t want to upset anyone or hurt their feelings.  And worse, we don’t want to “turn them off.” But here’s the real question... Do we want them to know Christ as their Savior? Do we want them to know the splendor of living in the Kingdom of God when Christ returns to collect his faithful ones? If we would never wish them to be lost, or forever gone, then we need to find our voice. First pray. Then find your voice.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You know the loved ones I have on my heart. First, I pray for them, that you would prepare their heart to receive you. I also pray for the right words and the right opportunities to share the Gospel Good News with them in a way that answers any questions or doubts they may have. May I be your living conduit; and if not me, then lead others into their lives—people whom they respect and will listen to. But above all, I pray they will come to know Christ as their Savior, and that they will never perish with the lost.

                                                In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional First Pray – Then Find Your Voice 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.

Too Great to Understand Fully

Ephesians 3:14-19 (NLT)  When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

            This passage alone could be the basis for months of devotionals, and yet that would be insufficient to discover all the wonderful truths contained within it.

·         Meditating on God’s Word causes me to fall on my knees and pray

·         Pray to the Father—OUR Heavenly Father—MY Heavenly Father

·         The Father who created everything in heaven and on earth

·         God’s resources are glorious and unlimited

·         God empower us with inner strength through his Spirit

·         Jesus Christ, our Savior, makes his home in our hearts

·         Place my trust in Jesus—for my salvation and every circumstance I may face

·         Trust in Christ causes my roots to grow in God’s love

·         God’s love keeps me strong

·         Prayer supplies means for understanding God’s love

·         The scope of God’s love—its width, length, height, depth—is all encompassing

·         The love of Christ—that he should die for me—is too great to understand fully

·         Yet in all of this, I can be made complete because it is the fullness of life and power that comes from God to all who believe in Him

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Your love is beyond my comprehension. The only response I have is to offer my humble thanksgiving and praise to you. Thank you for the gift of salvation through the shed blood of your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. It is a gift far greater than I deserve. I am forever grateful.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Too Great to Understand Fully appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

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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.

You Encourage Me

Psalm 138:3 (NLT)  As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.

Ephesians 4:29b (NLT)  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

1 Thessalonians 5:14b (NLT)  Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

            At best we can scarcely imagine the persecution facing those first century Christians. At best we can scarcely imagine the persecution facing Christians in our world today. Yet there is not a day that passes when we meet fellow Christians who are deeply in need of a quiet word of encouragement to strengthen them and give them hope. We engage in the typical... “How are you?” “I’m fine.” conversations without truly understanding their need for a good word, a kind word. And so we rush on through our day.

How thankful we are that our Heavenly Father never treats us that way. He is never too busy to listen. As soon as we pray, he answers us, and he encourages us by giving us strength for whatever we may face each day.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for listening to our prayers. Thank you for encouraging us. Thank you for the people you place in our path each day. Give us the courage to speak and the right words of encouragement they are longing to hear.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional You Encourage Me appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

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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.

A Psalm of Praise

Psalm 145:1-4 (NLT)  I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

In another month, many people will be making traditional New Year’s resolutions which will last approximately a few weeks before forgotten. Here is an idea. Instead of waiting a month to make a resolution, why not resolve to make this season of Thanksgiving a daily priority. The psalmist’s words encourage us to praise our Heavenly Father every day. Most of us wait for seasonal opportunities to give thanks. There is no better time to start than today.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your mercy and compassion. Thank you for your unfailing love. Thank you for your Presence and guidance in our lives. Thank you for your provision and care. Thank you for the beauty of your creation and the creatures that share the earth. Thank you for always keeping your promise and the stability of your unchanging nature. Most of all, thank you for the gift of salvation through your only beloved Son; and thank you for the blessed hope of resurrection when Jesus Christ returns to gather your faithful ones.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Psalm 145:17-18 (NLT)  The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

 

The devotional A Psalm of Praise appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

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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.

For Every Action

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

My mind often takes little bunny trails down a variety of thoughts as it did this morning. For whatever reason, my mind recalled Newton’s Third Law of Motion; no need to look it up, I’ll refresh your memory...  “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Oddly enough, it reminded me that being thankful in all circumstances has a very similar relationship with the peace our Heavenly Father provides. Stay with me, and I’ll do my best to explain.

One of the toughest things for Christians is to be thankful during difficult times, devastating circumstances, loss of friends or loved ones, loss of job, loss of home & possessions during natural disasters, failing physical health or injuries, or watching others suffer. Yet for those who believe in the Lord God Almighty and claim him as our Heavenly Father...there is something that takes place beyond our ability to explain. Although our circumstances may not change; there is an inner abiding peace that blankets us in the very midst of those circumstances. The only way in which it differs from Newton’s Third Law of Motion is that it is not equal. God’s peace is far deeper than any challenges we face. God’s peace is what calms our hearts and minds. God’s peace is what enables us to persevere.  Be thankful.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You understand every circumstance we face and you are ready to provide the abundance of peace we need to navigate those difficulties. We come to you with humble and thankful hearts for your promised Presence in our lives.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional For Every Action appeared first on Write From My Heart at 

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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.

Five Days of Prayer - Day Five

Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT)     Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Romans 12:12 (NLT)     Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Colossians 3:17, 23-24 (NLT)     And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. ... Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

James 1:5-8 (NLIT)     If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

At first glance, this may appear to be a random selection of verses. However, when taken as a collective, these verses can be powerful reminders to continue in prayer with praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father as the priority. Remember that God has given to each one of us some gift, ability, or talent to use for his purposes; be faithful in using what he has given you. When you are uncertain, unsure, or lack understanding; ask God to allow his Spirit within you to guide your understanding.

I humbly believe that God has given me an ability to encourage others through the writing of short devotionals. That is why I “Write From My Heart”, although to be honest, sometimes the intended reader is myself as well as others. The following prayer is my daily prayer before I sit down to write. I do not know what God has asked you to do or what talents, gifts, and abilities he has given to you. Perhaps my prayer might inspire you create your own daily prayer; that is my deepest hope. Blessings to you, Dear Reader.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Help me to be obedient to whatever nudgings You place on my heart. Guide me in the diligent study of Your Word. Provide the measure of understanding You trust me to handle correctly. Provide the thoughts You want me to write for others to read, even if the reader is me. Open the doors You want me to use, and give me peace about the doors You close. I pray that in all things You receive all honor, glory, and praise. May Your will be accomplished and may I be useful to You.

                                                            In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Five Days of Prayer – Day Five appeared first on Write From My Heart at  

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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.