"Jesus said unto him, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”      Matthew 22:37-40

 
Fulfilling our Purpose is a very specific phrase that causes us more anxiety than most other phrases.  
Consider this; a tool that does not function is useless, no matter how beautiful it is. For example, a beautiful Mount Blanc pen, sleek as it may be, is useless if it cannot write. An impressive Henckel or Wusthof  knife is wonderful, unless it is dull and cannot cut. A gorgeous Patek Philippe precision timepiece, although quite expensive, is worthless in functionality if it does not tell time. The definition of a tool is, a specific device to aid an activity. What is the innate definition of a person—People—God’s Tool?  How about, specific entities to serve God and aid humanity? Ask yourself if you are serving God, and aiding humanity.  If you are not serving God or aiding humanity, —Well... 

If you want to find out what would fulfill your purpose, ask yourself this question, "What would bring me ultimate joy?"  When you reach a conclusion, ask yourself another question, “Then what?”  Keep asking the “Then What?” question until you cannot answer it anymore and you will find out your purpose. 

Many people believe money will fulfill their dreams; however, there are very wealthy people who commit suicide every year. There are others who believe having the love of a precise person will fulfill their dreams; only to find out that, they have entered a nightmare instead. And still, there are others who believe having the "bling" of cars, sprawling mansions, and luxury yachts, will fulfill the gaping hole that is a life away from God; only to find that they have become living curators of old relics.

So again, I ask the question, “What would bring you ultimate joy?”  Did you know that the “Then what?” question was asked to a host of people over the years, and what sociologists found out was that most people ultimately want internal peace and to help others.

Well..., this sounds a lot like serving God and aiding humanity to me.    L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 22:37-40  
From: "Fulfilling Your Purpose." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: isucceedbook

​“Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
 Matthew 5:16
 

I had a discussion with my Mother a few years ago concerning my idea of excellence.  "That's what's wrong," she said, “You always want people to offer their best; but, not everyone is like that!"   "—Uh?" I said, "It doesn't matter to me whether they are like that or not, that's what I expect. —Why wouldn't everyone want to offer his or her best?
—What's the point of doing it, if you don't do your best? What happens if you drop dead tomorrow? All people can say about you, is that you were mediocre! –And, that you barely lived up to your potential! —Listen, I might not receive their best, but I always expect their best!" 

As you can see, she was barely making a dent in my thought process. We understand that sometimes our best is just barely good given the circumstances.  However, if our lives reflect Jesus Christ, shouldn't everything we do reflect our best?  Let's say that you ask God for something specific; and, somehow you have a visual in your mind of what it is.  When you receive it, doesn't it always exceed your expectations? 

Speaking with her television audience, billionaire media mogul, Oprah Winfrey, recalled the day when she stood daydreaming, as a little girl, while washing dishes in her childhood home. As she washed the dishes, she began staring out the window over the sink at the lone tree in her backyard.  Looking out the window at the tree, she began to contemplate the number of trees she needed in her future backyard that would make her feel truly wealthy. With the hopes and dreams of a child, she began her count with 3 trees; but, she did not stop there. “Maybe, she said, There should be four trees..., no five trees..., no six trees! " Then, she thought to herself, "–Yes, I would truly be wealthy if I could see 7 trees from my kitchen window!"  And so, she prayed a little child's prayer to God, to place seven trees on her land that she could see from her kitchen window while washing the dishes. 

Fast-forward 40+ years.  Several years ago she bought a mansion in California. One day, as she was washing the dishes in her new kitchen, she looked out the window perched over the sink admiring the magnificent landscape that the kitchen window overlooked.  Looking at all the trees in blissful reverie, she suddenly remembered her childhood prayer to God; and, understanding the fullness of her blessing, she began to weep.  She could not count all the trees on her land! 

Be the best you can be; offer the best you can offer; and, do the very best you can when you can; because, God will always transcend your expectations.   L. 
​
Study Reference: John 17:4, Matthew 5:14-16
From: "Transcending Expectations." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo: snapshot

“Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.”      Matthew 11:11

 
There is no doubt about John the Baptist’s direct relationship to Jesus; not only was he Jesus’ cousin, he was divinely chosen by God to be the messenger foretelling Jesus’ ministry.  In today’s society, he would be considered the advertisement trailer —the pre-event marketing strategy of the main event.  When we read about his life, we know he lived sparsely, ate sparingly, and until his appearance in Israel, remained mostly in solitude in the desert and wilderness. At some point, because of the righteousness of the life he led, the people believed he was the Messiah. However, he was certain to correct them whenever he heard them.  It is interesting to note that his ministry was so well-known, that even the nobles knew who he was and feared him.  Yet, in the comment above, Jesus states that as great as John-the-Baptist was, the very “least” of us in the Kingdom of God will be “greater than he.” 

Imagine for a moment that we, with all our faults, limitations, and disbelief; with repentance, remission of sin, baptism, and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, will be greater than John-the-Baptist!  It is almost too stunning to imagine.  Here is a man that while he was in the very womb of his mother, was already filled with the Holy Spirit praising God. (Luke 1:15)  

John-the-Baptist truly understood the purpose for his life; somehow he did not get side-tracked by the perils of life. He did not get bogged down by the minutia of life; he simply stayed on course to become a walking advertisement for baptism in Jesus Christ.  He fulfilled his purpose even unto the end of his life when things seemed the bleakest.  

Today, let the promise of God lead your faith; and let no man take from you the gift that has already been freely given in Jesus Christ.   L.

Study Reference: Luke 3:2-22 Matthew 14:3-14
From: "Remaining On Course."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: argiris karamouza

​
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” 
Psalm 147:3
 
​
Have you ever had to help someone go through the healing process of mending a broken heart?  Maybe the person with the broken heart was you, or someone you loved. 
​
Although love is by far, the most joyful thing we crave as human beings, it can also be the most painful. It is both remarkable and perplexing how something that can so easily empower us to be our best selves, could also cause us to sink to our lowest depths. —​What can possibly heal a broken heart? 

Physicians tell us, most wounds to the body can be repaired; some through natural healing, and others through surgical intervention. However, our heart is different; it is our center, the part that needs the most protection from those who may attempt to destroy us. So, it is important to remember, if we are damaged by a direct hit to the heart, it can be a fatal blow, both physically and figuratively. 

In Proverbs 4:23 the Bible says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” When we choose to offer our heart to someone, that person needs to handle it gently, carefully, with truth, respect, and love. It is our most vulnerable place, the epicenter of our mind, body, and spirit. When it is damaged, it is difficult to repair both physically and mentally. Does this mean you should not freely love with your whole heart?  On the contrary, when you give or receive love, you are your most powerful self. However, guard your whole heart diligently, because therein also lies your weakness.  Know to whom you are offering one of your most precious gifts—your love. 

Nevertheless, just in case you have done all of this and somehow you still end up with a broken heart, know that God understands the depth of your pain and will remain close to you until you are healed. God promises in Psalm 34 that, He “... is near unto them that are of a broken heart, and saves those of a broken spirit.” And, in today’s verse, we are reminded that “…He heals the broken hearted and binds their wounds.”  So...
What can possibly heal a broken heart?  —God’s love!   L.
​
Study Reference: Psalm 147:3, Psalm 34:18, Proverbs 4:23
 From: "A Broken Heart."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: science-all

"…Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness 
​of God.”    James 1:19


What does it take to truly make you angry? --Tick you off?  —​Send you into a rage?  Are you hot-headed, quick-tempered, and able to add a retort faster than Superman can stop a speeding bullet?  Is everyone in your midst desperately trying not to crack the eggshells you so strategically placed around you?  If so, today’s biblical verse was created just for you. 

As Christians, it should take a lot for us to truly get angry.  We should not allow most things to rile our peace or push us to anger. It should take true effort on the part of a perpetrator to push us over the top. It may not be like this for you now; it may take a conscious effort on your part, and age—yes, age.  The old adage is true, wisdom actually comes with age; because, the older you become, the more you discover that most things are simply not that deep to you anymore.

One of the things I have also noticed is, although I have become even more discerning in the friendships that I cultivate, I have also become more tolerant. I now take into consideration the triggers that may prompt another person to react negatively.  It could be my words, a conflicting viewpoint, or even a misunderstanding in how we interpret the same incident.  So now, I continuously remind myself of the text found in Ephesians 4:29:

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  

The trouble with this text is, it is not supposed to be used by the other person on you; it is supposed to be spiritually implemented by you on them!  It is not that you give up, concede, or relinquish your position to the other person; you simply make a determination not to push yourself or the other person, so far to the edge, all involved can maintain their self-control.  Obviously, you cannot control the thoughts or actions of others; however, when you begin to think of yourself as an edifier of others, it becomes increasingly difficult to tear them down and quite easy to see their position.  Sometimes, it is relatively easy to allow them to say whatever they like, knowing it will not affect your status as a child of God.  In any case, you will find that you are able to administer a truce when you clearly see the beginnings of a war; or, simply walk away when you have determined there is no other option.  

You have the option of controlling your anger, or allowing your anger to control you.  Sometimes, it is as easy as remaining silent and refraining from a snappy retort; at other times, it will mean walking away with a solid amicable agreement to disagree. Either way, you win. You would have maintained your position, your self-control, and self-respect; but, more importantly, you allowed the other person to maintain theirs.   L.

Study Reference: James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29  
From: "Slow to Anger."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Craig/ 500-px

 " I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now, my eye seeth Thee”      Job 42:5


When I finally finished, In The Master’s Hands; I wanted to conclude with a thought that would summarize the entire process. I knew that there would be a few readers who would never really believe that every daily I wrote was written for me. It did not matter if the devotion appeared cynical, redemptive, lofty, or sad; every one was written with a lesson for me. What I learned was that the only way for you to gain the kind of biblical understanding that is not limited to pleasantries, is for you to do it yourself. –Study, study, study, -learn, learn, learn; then teach, and learn some more.

I had to really sit down and ask myself what the entire writing process was all about. How can the stories contained within the Bible speak to us in today’s culture?  Our lives are not about the little dilemmas or even major hardships that we go through, it is about the process. –The discoveries we uncover about ourselves as we go through our ordeals.  It doesn’t matter if they are extended bouts of elation, or basic life episodes we consider devastating. In the larger scheme of things they are all the same. It comes down to how we deal with it. It comes down to the impression it leaves on our lives, and whether it defines who we are or who we become. Will the results make us bitter, wicked, vengeful, disobedient, callous, envious, and atheistic; or, will it remind us how fleeting life is, elevating our spirits to offer gratitude, love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, empathy, and devoutness. Although I love the poetry of the biblical book of Job, the story of Job is not my favorite, yet, what I found is, as a Christian in today’s culture, our lives literally come down to the book of Job, chapter and verse. It does not matter what kind of problems Job went through; they were all devastating. Yet, the lesson for us is that, throughout the process of his trials he maintained his devotion to God, recognizing that no matter what occurred, no matter how devastating the event or how he felt day to day, his devotion to God never wavered. –God was still his strength.  

No matter how alone Job felt, and how much he questioned God, he knew God was always by his side. That’s what I learned. God is always there right by your side. So, don’t give up.  Like all the cyclical storms of the earth, your storm will pass. The question is, How will it leave you?   L.
​
Reference Study: Job 42:5, Job 1:6-12
Excerpt from: "The Lesson Learned." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: ​Cardiff-Peter-Kennelly

​"And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”   
​Exodus 17:11-12


There are times in your life when you will have to accept the help of others to accomplish a task God has asked of you. The story of Moses, on the mountain, raising his staff against the Amalekites to win the battle, helps us to understand the acceptance of help from others when we need it.

As part of Moses’ covenant with God, he was to use his staff as a means of accomplishing various tasks for God. We have all seen the scene in the movie, The Ten Commandments, where his staff is used to devour the snakes of Pharaoh. Moses’ staff would prove God over and over again. Yet, in the first battle against the Amalekites, as Moses stands on the mountain with his staff raised high, his hands begin to tire; and, like any of us, he eventually has to drop his arms to his side out of fatigue. The problem is, every time he does so, the Amalekites begin winning the battle. Noticing the problem, Aaron and Hur, who were on the mountain with him, sit him down on a rock, and with each man on either side of him,THEY hold up his hands for him and Joshua's army goes on to defeat the Amalekites. It is a great example of kinship, friendship, honor, respect, love and teamwork used to win a battle.

Sometimes there are things we must do alone that God will ask of us for our own growth as individuals.  And, there are times when God will need for us to work with others because, working alone is simply not enough to accomplish the task. The Bible says, Moses’ “hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” 

Remember, true friendships are sacred; true friends will find a way to help, even if they have to use their hands to hold up your hands as part of the process.  L.

Study Reference: Exodus 17:11-15 
From: "Accepting Help." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bigstock

​
​"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.”   John 3:16 

 
In the mid-1960's, in the U.S., the motto was “Free Love.” It was an oxymoron created by beatniks and hippies to counteract the stodgy-straight-laced rules of the 1950’s, where only a brave few married or interacted with others outside their class, race, income, status, neighborhood, etc.  However, the reality is, love does not set you free, and is by no means free.  It has a cost.  To love, is to be in true bondage in the purest sense of the word.  It is complete dependence and emotional surrender to another human being.  When you make the decision to love, and do not be fooled, it is a decision, you allow another human being full access to your spirit.  This is the reason why it hurts so much when it is purposefully not returned, nurtured, or strengthened. The recovery process does not occur on the façade, the pain does not hide, and it cannot be hidden; it is much too deep and unrelenting.

When we really think about it, who, in their right mind, would elect to relinquish their spirit’s sanity for unabashed emotional surrender?  Yet somehow, as human beings, we crave its beauty, its eloquence, its spiritual transcendence —its pain.

In our armor of love we transcend time, space, and energy; and, it is the closest that we come to truly understanding God’s Love for humanity in its purest form.  Even the pain of love bonds us closer to God.  The innate pain of love allows us to freely understand man’s utter betrayal of his first love—God.  And, the surrender, or lack thereof, of one to another allows us to deeply empathize with God, gaining a greater more profound understanding of His Love for us.  

Think about someone you truly love deeply for a moment.  Really stop and think about this person. Think about the happiest, most pleasurable moment with this person. Have you done so as yet?  I can imagine it is a wonderful memory for you.

Now consider this. —Knowing what you know about the pleasure of loving this person; and, feeling what you are feeling at this very minute, imagine yourself propelled far into the future where, you can now see that your beloved will betray you and hurt you deeply.  You can see your future self and the pain you will experience at an undetermined date in the future.  Would you still continue to surrender your heart today, experiencing the high of complete surrender? Or, would you allow the person to go their own way, not knowing what they did wrong—or in this case, what they will do wrong?  

Chances are, you would still go through the process of experiencing the love you are currently giving and receiving, dealing with the betrayal in the future, when it actually occurs.

We are God’s beloved; His first Love. The ones He Loves in spite of our continual betrayal of His Love. The ones He waits for, and longs for.  The ones He openly accepts when we show up at His front door, forgiving us without any questions. The ones He gave Jesus for. —Isn't it time we went back to Him?  Hasn't He waited long enough?   L.

Study Reference: John 3:16
From: "Freedom To Love."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee. The LORD make His Face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The LORD lift up His Countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”     Numbers 6:24-26


I was speaking with a longtime friend of our family, who, many years ago, was invited to church by my Mother and her best friend.  As it turns out, she kept visiting the church until she became a baptized member; this was about 18 years ago.  As we were having a discussion on the question of Bible Study, she said, “It's true. I really should know my Bible more.”   I looked at her and asked, “Why do you think you attend church or read your Bible?    She looked at me as if she knew I was asking a question I planned on answering. “It’s so you can speak to others about Jesus.” I continued. “It may be a little bit more complex than that, because, there are people who should work within the church; but primarily, it is to speak to others about Christ. The more you know, the more you can respond to their questions when they ask you about God. —​And, you can be sure, they will ask!”  I said.

She thought about what I said for a moment and she got very excited, as if she had just remembered something significant.  Then, she looked at me with her eyes sparkling and said: 

“You know, while I was in a store shopping a few days ago, a woman I had just passed in the aisle came up to me and said, “Excuse me, are you a Christian?”   “Yes.”  I said, wondering what made her ask. “Oh,” said the woman, “Can you pray for me?”  I was so surprised that the woman asked me to pray for her, I smiled and said, “Oh, yes!”  I felt blessed that somehow she knew that I was a Christian; and, even more blessed that God was using me to intercede on her behalf.  I held her hands, and just as I was about to begin praying for her, another woman walked up and said, “I’m sorry, are you about to pray?  —​I overheard your conversation and I have so much to thank God for!  Just this morning I asked God for a job and He just answered my prayer!  —​Can I join?”   

Our friend, surprised at the first request, was even more surprised by the second request!  Nevertheless, all three women locked hands, and in the middle of the store aisle, she began to pray for both women.

When you are a Christian, the very Light of God shines so brightly within you, your countenance changes!  Christ places such an indelible mark on your life, it is discernible by all.  You do not have to tell anyone that you are a Christian, they will know. They will see it in your temperament, your actions, your compassion, and your heart. 
—It will be so prevalent in your life, even perfect strangers will see His reflection in you. L.

Study Reference: Numbers 6:24-26 
From: "Reflecting  The Light."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bigstock

"And Zacharias said unto the angel, whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man and my wife well stricken in years.  And the angel answering said, I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And behold, thou shall be dumb, and not able to speak until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words which shall be fulfilled in their season.”
Luke 1:18-20

 
Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, was a priest in the temple of God.  Based on priestly hierarchy, he was the priest who lit the incense while people prayed in the temple.  The Bible says, he and his wife “were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luke 1:6)   Yet, although he was an experienced priest, with what we assume to be many years of service in the temple, when Gabriel, the Archangel, appeared unto him with the information that he would not only become a first time father in his old age, but also, father to the son who would announce the coming of the Messiah; Zacharias did not believe him.  And, because of his unbelief, the Bible says, he was stricken with dumbness, unable to speak for the entire nine months of his wife’s pregnancy.

We can imagine Zacharias, a pillar of strength within the temple of Judean society. A man worthy of marriage to a descendant of Aaron, the famed high priest of Israel, going about his temple duties with love and devotion to God.  It is easy to imagine his supplications on behalf of the people being fulfilled with answers from God; while his secret prayers to be blessed with children throughout his life, went seemingly unanswered by the Lord.  And, just when he finally accepted his fate of never being the high priest, never having an heir, and never being able to see the birth of a son, along comes Gabriel with a message of both shock and hope! 

Unbelief is not limited to the unrighteous, or the ungodly, many times it is found in the very faithful.  Those whom we believe should easily accept God’s responses and promises to their pleas whenever they manifest.  Yet truthfully, even in our staunchest testimony of our faith in Christ, sometimes we will fail in our belief when we need it most.  It is in those times when we are the most vulnerable in remaining steadfast that we need to strengthen our belief in God; because, no matter how it appears on the outside, or how we feel on the inside, God is forever faithful!   L.

Study Reference: Luke 1:5-64
From: "The Appearance of Faith."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
Photo credit: fotolia

 "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.”         John 3:16


Although science and engineering tout the attributes of technology, no computer is even vaguely close to your intelligence, charisma, artistry, emotion, understanding, love, or human interaction, etc. It cannot offer a dimpled smile, or retain crow’s feet from laughing with its eyes. It cannot curl its toes while reading a book; or, look into the eyes of its best friend, only to laugh hysterically at a silent joke known only between friends. It simply can compute faster, work more efficiently, compile and store data. Computers aid us in taking the mundane out of our lives so that we can focus our attention on each other and the higher aspects of life.  And, although we value the work they do, we are the ones who actually input all that data for computers to compute, compile, store and regurgitate.  They are no match for you.

There is nothing in this world that is even vaguely equivalent to the beauty and wonder of even one human being. Nothing is more valuable than one man and one woman, period.  –Not a pocket full of diamonds, a briefcase full of money, or an oil well in your backyard.  And, although people may devalue other people, and we may devalue ourselves; any one man or any one woman is absolutely priceless to God.  

Yet, just so that you fully understand just how valuable you are to God, remember that, in order to keep you, your family, your ancestors, and your descendants as the apple of His eye, God gave His Only Begotten Son’s life for your life. He did it simply so that He could offer you  Grace, Forgiveness, Mercy, Love, and eternal Life. -Then, He fused this unmerited favor with the dismissal of your past, present, and future sins.  And, as if this were not enough, He threw in the opportunity to begin your life anew at this very minute. So, if you already know about God's Love—speak up!  —It’s time that everyone else knew too!  

Study Reference: John 3:15-18
From: “Knowing Your Value.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2015 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”      2 Corinthians 4:8-9

 
I believe this is my favorite verse by far!  It lists the troubled state of various human circumstances; from the nagging feeling of being troubled, to the state of being cast down. It helps us to remember we are not our circumstances.  But, just in case you need a reminder:

If you are feeling troubled on every side, Jesus offers you faith, understanding that nothing can harm you, or hinder your life without God offering you a way out. You are not distressed, fearful, or weary.  You feel strong with the confidence of knowing your heavenly Father is only a prayer away.  

Or, maybe you are feeling a little perplexed. That nagging feeling of confusion when you believe something should have one outcome, but somehow it goes in a completely different direction than the one you prepared or prayed for. Nevertheless, you regroup, retrain, and prepare for a new strategy so you can achieve the desired outcome.  You are calm. You are neither desperate or in despair.  You have no fear. God has your back; of this, you are certain.  Despair is for those who do not know God; those who have no concept of hope, faith, or trust in our Savior.  

Maybe you are the one in this group who is feeling a bit persecuted by those in your surroundings. Your friends have forsaken you, your colleagues are against you, and your family is just not giving you what you need to soar to the top. You feel lonely and persecuted.  But, you know God has not forsaken you.  Your hope is in His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you, even when everything and everyone else fails.  

And, for those of you who are on the verge of feeling completely cast down, or feel as if you have been left on the ground to be trampled and stoned; remember, what does not take your life, will only make you stronger.  Like a prize fighter training for the heavyweight championship, you may fall down during a bout, but the floor is not where the fight is.  Go back to your prayer corner, replenish yourself, refresh with the Word of God, and go right back in there and finish the fight; you will not be destroyed!  As a matter of fact; your opponents were fortunate the first time. The first time you were not prepared; you did not know they were going to cheat—hurting you in your most vulnerable spot.  You mistakenly thought they would have compassion.  This time you know; you are ready for anything!  And, more importantly, you understand that no one; no entity, no power or principality can take from you what God has already ordained for your life!  Yes, cast down; but, definitely not destroyed!  L.  


​Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 4:6-16
From: "Cast Down, But Not Destroyed." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: cloudfront

"....[I am] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [I am] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”      2 Corinthians 4:8-9


Be strong in whatever difficulties you are going through today.  Know that God loves you; and, that the issues you are going through will subside. Oftentimes, when we are going through deeply personal trials, we tend to be at our weakest —exposed, and exhausted.  Yet, it is precisely in our weakness that God teaches us how to persevere using His Strength, not ours. It is in our perseverance that we literally become our strongest. —So, just consider it a strength and endurance exercise to gain Power for your spirit.

In our weakness and sheer exhaustion, we learn how to relinquish our mind, body, and spirit to God; and, how to truly pray in earnest.  It is in those times that we actually learn what the Bible means when it says, "lean not" on your own understanding, but on your Faith in God.

Added below is another text which will strengthen your spirit. I changed the "we" to "I" and the "your" to "my;" to make the text more personal.  Try it now; it will strengthen your spirit! —Simply repeat it; and, keep repeating it until you actually feel God’s Power.

"[I am] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [I am] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”   2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"That Christ may dwell in [my heart] by Faith, that [I], being rooted and grounded in Love may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the Love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that [I] might be filled with all the Fullness of God.”     Ephesians 3:18      

Breathe. Then, do it again.      
                                                                                       
When you are finished, know that God is strengthening you with His Power and His Love, giving you everything you need to be victorious!   L. 
​
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verses in your journal.
​
Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Ephesians 3:18
From: “Your Thoughts: Power!.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Rakiyah​

"Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him; because, that for this       thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.”
 Deuteronomy 15:10
“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak; for your work shall be rewarded.”   2 Chronicles 15:7


As children we were taught to bless our meal; not because the meal was potentially dangerous, but because it was an opportunity to thank God for His provisions.  As adults, we must learn to extend this blessing to our work or daily routine, since our work is ideally a provision from God; and, by blessing our provisions we are also blessing God.

The act of verbally blessing your work not only helps you to go through your daily routine, it also helps to alleviate potential problems with co-workers and /or others, who may be going through issues even more difficult than you could ever imagine.  In addition to this, it blesses your work in direct opposition to those whose only desire is to sabotage the work you do. Sometimes, those who you work or interact with, are simply going through problems so overwhelming in their personal life, it manifests itself in their demeanor at work.  Either way, you have no way of knowing which one is which –a deeply personal problem, or wicked sabotage.  So, pray for them; nothing grandiose, just quietly at your desk prior to your interactions with them. –It will work wonders. The truth is, we never really know why certain co-workers are placed in our path by God. Like the Ethiopian chamberlain baptized by Phillip in Acts 8:26-38, it just might be to get them closer to God, or simply for God’s Glory.

In today’s text, Deuteronomy 15:10, God instructs employers to deal fairly with their servants /employees; since, in doing so, not only will they be blessed, but everything within their business will be blessed. –This includes you!
Bless your work, bless the company you work for, and more importantly, bless your bosses. It will change their outlook; but, even more important, it will change yours.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 103:22, Psalm 145:2, Romans 12:14
From: "Blessing Your Work."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: I. Ytimg

 "And another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”
​Luke 9:61-62


In Genesis chapter 19, we learned the dismal fate of the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both cities were destroyed because of the wicked behavior of the people. Yet, one of the most memorable parts of the story is Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt. Her penalty for turning around, pining for the city, the people, her family, and possibly her property as it all burned. It may be difficult to understand why God would rescue her family, yet allow her to be destroyed, simply because, she disobeyed by looking back at the destruction, understandably rueful, about what she left behind.

Now that God has called you unto Him, do you sometimes remember the old days; the days when you used to do the things that were not of God? Does any part of you want to go back to the way things were? -Are you rueful over the people and things that were consumed, although you were spared? Every once in a while I remember the people who passed away because their lifestyle prompted such dangerous behavior, it seemed only a matter of time before they were consumed. And, then I remember, “...there, but for the Grace of God, go I.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

There will be times after God has rescued you out of a bad situation that you begin to feel rueful about those people and things left behind. -Somehow remembering only the good times, and forgetting the pain. Ideally, there will be times when you are supposed to return to your former life to help those left behind. And, there will be other times when you will have to leave their rescue to God. However, it will be up to you to pray for a sense of discernment to identify which one is within the will of God. -Because, if you are still looking back ruefully at your former life, maybe you are not as committed as you may believe you are; and, the act of interacting with those left behind, even to free them, may just end up entrapping you, instead of freeing them.  L.


Study Reference: Luke 17:32, Genesis 19:26, Luke 9:61-62
From:"Looking Back." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo image: istock

​"And I have given you a land for which ye did not labor, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive-yards which ye planted not, do ye eat.”  
​Joshua 24:13


When we speak about being "blessed" by God, we usually mean that we are reaping where we have not sown. And, the reality is, many times the blessings we receive emanate from a completely unexpected source. Our tiny mustard seed of faith, watered and blessed by God, spreads across the earth taking our hopes and dreams with it. 

When the children of Israel left the wilderness, they were confounded in the Promise Land; they had no idea how they were going to survive. It was completely inconceivable to them, where they would live, what they would eat, or whom they would encounter. Although God had already foreseen and taken care of their every need, forty years had passed, and the new younger generation needed to learn how to trust God on their own. 

Joshua reminded this new generation how vitally important it was for them to continue to follow the laws of God, not simply because He was God; but because, He had blessed them abundantly, allowing them to destroy their enemies, and to reap where they had not sown.

Today's verse, found in the book of Joshua, speaks about the blessings God gave to the Children of Israel after they crossed over the Jordan River.  It is a reminder to remember the bestowing of the land that He handed to them in the presence of their enemies. Like the Children of Israel, sometimes, as a modern Believer, you may need a gentle reminder to acknowledge God's Blessing in your life.  

When you follow God’s agenda, He will bless you beyond your imagination; and, without question, you will reap where you have not sown. You will prosper where others have begun the work and given up. You will lay claim to abundance, although you did not create it. —And, you will gain that, which you did not labor. You simply have to remember to obey God and trust in His Word.  L.

Study Reference: Joshua 24:1-31, Deuteronomy 6:10-11 
Excerpt From:"Reaping, Not Sown." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo credit: Loews


​

   "… But let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation.” James 5:12


In today's society we tend to be so flippant about keeping our word. We make promises we know we cannot keep, not realizing it is an injunction against our very integrity. 

Our grandparents used to say, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!" In many instances it was said with a smile; yet, it was a statement placing the person on notice that, the original prank, scheme, or lie would not work a second time in capturing their prey.

Understand that every time we dismiss the words we have given to someone, our integrity is damaged; and, every time our integrity is damaged, our very character takes a fall. Did you know that this concept is a biblical principle? Take a look for yourself in Matthew 5:37 and review the text above found in James 5:12 “… but let your yes be yes; and your no, no...”   

​Trust me, I understand. There is a lot of grey area between yes and no; and, it is really hard to relinquish all that wiggle room in case we change our minds on a particular issue.  However, this is exactly the point. It is having an opinion, making a decision, and sticking to it; or, changing your position based on new information coming to light.  In any event, you would simply state your new decision, position, or not. 

Taking an oath would be unnecessary because our words would be like gold; it would be our bond. Practice saying what you mean, and mean what you say. Respect the value of your own voice, and keep your word. Whether it is to a friend, colleague, adult, or child, if you say it, you should mean it!  L.

​
Study Reference: Matthew 5:37, James 5:12 
From: "The Integrity Quotient." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

“...That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed My voice.”
Genesis 22:17-18


American historians say the family trees of most Americans can only be traced back to 4 generations within the United States. For most of us, this means that our great-grandparents probably had a thick accent, spoke another language, and arrived from another location in the world.

This country is uniquely made up of people from all nations, creeds, cultures, languages, and races.
Now, unlike any other nation in the world, the United States of America is truly diverse in its culture, food, accents, languages, etc. When we look back at all the cultures within the US, we have to admit, God certainly had a very specific plan for this nation. The “Founding Fathers,” charted and plotted a concept that was so far-reaching into the future, there is absolutely no way that those original slave-owning founders could have possibly imagined what the nation would become, yet evolved we have!

God has you and your family here for a reason. Like visionaries before them, your great-grandparents, grandparents, or parents somehow believed they were casting a special life for you. Like Abraham’s seed fulfilling prophesy, so it is that we live at this time, in this place, helping to cast our family’s story into the future for God’s purpose. Ask God to help you to fulfill His purpose in your life; because ultimately the question is, will God’s purpose be fulfilled with you, or without you?  L.   
​

Study Reference: Genesis 22-25, Proverbs 29:18
Excerpt from: "God's Timing, Vision, & Blessing."
In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Filip Nilholm

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.”     Psalm 37:3-5


The Children of Israel learned how to move with God. —But, let’s be real, they really did not have a choice. The presence of God was within their sight as a beautiful cloud, keeping them sheltered from the desert sun by day; and, as a pillar of fire by night, keeping them warm and toasty from the harsh desert wind. They moved when God moved. For them, moving was easily discernible; they could see God’s presence with their eyes. However, given only their faith to go on today, I wonder how they would react. 

Praying and waiting for God to tell you when to leave or not, you have to admit, can be a little frustrating. Suppose it’s a move to a job you need? Or perhaps, moving from an undesirable situation to what appears to be another undesirable situation? —Or, for that matter, staying put? And, this is when you actually have an opportunity to leisurely select between one decision or another. What happens when you feel desperate? What about when your bills are piling up, the cupboards are bare, and you can’t find the resources. --What then? 

The Children of Israel had an amazing visual every day and evening to keep them focused. You do not have God in your sight. --Or, do you?  We see God’s beauty in the earth every day. We have only to look around to see the marvelous works of His hands.  In addition to this, we have His Holy Word as our guide; and, our prayers as our conversations with Him. No matter how much we may lack patience, our Bible says to pray for what we need. So, whether it is an answer to a problem, or help in discerning between several options, like the Children of Israel, we always have God within our midst.  Most of all, remember that our Bible says in Psalm 37:3-5: 

​“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of your heart. Commit your ways unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.”
​
Continue to trust, pray, and have faith. —​You will know precisely when He needs YOU to move.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 37:3-5   
From: "Moving With God." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Martin Schoeller of Ashrita Furman, Guinness World Record Holder
​

 “And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold the Word of the Lord came to him, and He said unto him, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”  …And he said …I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”  1 Kings 19:9-10
 
​
One of the most powerful stories in the Bible is the story of Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal.  Elijah, believing that he is the only remaining prophet of God, is so tired of Israel’s rebellion and disobedience to the commandments of God that, he challenges all the prophets of Baal to a final showdown in order to demonstrate to Israel, once and for all, whose God, is God.  It is a terrific story of God proving His awesome power.   

During the showdown, all the prophets of Baal call on their god to consume their altar’s sacrifice by fire. From morning until night they try everything to rouse their god; cutting themselves, bloodletting, worshiping, and yelling. They even resort to jumping up and down on the altar, but nothing works. Elijah, witnessing their exhaustion, is even a little comical, teasing them saying, “Scream louder, maybe he’s asleep, or traveling, or pursuing; after all, he’s a god.”  (1 Kings 18:27)  The prophets attempt to reach their god until they are completely exhausted. 

When it is Elijah’s turn, he erects an altar to God; dousing it and the sacrifice with enough water to fill a great trench surrounding the altar. He prays, petitioning God to appear; and, the Fire of God comes down from heaven, consumes the sacrificial bull, all the wood under the bull, all the stones that created the altar, and even the dust around the altar.  And, just to make certain that the people truly understood the power of God, the Bible says, The Fire “licked up all the water that was in the trench.”  After the showdown, as Mosaic Law commands, the people killed all 450 prophets of Baal. 

Right after this, Elijah prophesied that rain, which has not occurred in the land of Israel for three years, will now fall. Then Jezebel, the queen of the region, and the primary worshiper of Baal, sends out a decree swearing to Elijah that he will die the next day in similar fashion to her prophets.  Here is the part that I have always found perplexing. --Elijah runs!  In an effort to save his own life, he runs into the wilderness to hide from Jezebel! 

Elijah had just witnessed the awesome power of God, yet he ran away! This story used to bother me until I realized that, we do the very same thing!  God proves Himself time and time again.  We pray, petition, and plead with God to do something that only He can do, and then it happens—we are saved and victorious through our trial or tribulation.  Then, a few hours later, something else happens, and we run; cowering and hiding as if we are all alone in the process against the enemy. 

Somehow we can pray for others in faith and hope, believing the outcome will work in their favor. Yet, when it comes to ourselves we cower in fear, losing faith that the presence of God will manifest in our problem; simply because, our rival is as bold as Jezebel.  Let’s be honest, we have to give Jezebel some credit. She had the audacity to threaten Elijah with death, even after hearing that all her prophets were killed, and that her god didn’t even show up for the fight.  So there it is!  The opposition seems to always have more bravado—a bigger mouth, and a lot more nerve; while we cower in fear, believing our God will not come through when we need Him.  It is the same bravado Goliath used while mocking Saul’s army for 40 days in the valley of Elah.  He stood in strength until David showed up; the one person who did not doubt that God would vanquish the enemy.  

Like Jezebel and Goliath, the evil situations in our lives always appear larger and more looming than the goodness in our lives.  And so, we find ourselves running from an enemy that really should be running from us!  By the time God asks Elijah the question in today’s verse, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”  Elijah had been hiding in a cave from Jezebel for more than 40 days. 

Sometimes we find ourselves in the same situation.  Although we call Jesus, Savior, we somehow keep running from an enemy that God has already proven He can handle.  So, like Elijah, do we continue to run for days in the wilderness, where God has to ask us, “What doest thou here?”  Or, do we stand and face the enemy; knowing that, no matter what happens, God has our back?   L.

Study Reference: 1 Kings 18:1-46, 19:1-10
From: "What Doest Thou Here?"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty