“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I am come into deep waters where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying; my throat is dried; mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”          Psalm 69:1-3

 
I met a young woman who was admitted into the hospital because she was at the end of her rope, literally.  She had tried to do the unthinkable by deciding to end her life in an attempted suicide.  When I heard the surface details of her life, she should have been proud; her accomplishments would have made anyone proud. Yet somehow she became so disconnected from God that taking her life seemed her only option. 

The day I met her, she had already received counseling, medication, and some much needed attention from more healthy souls.  When I made an attempt to pronounce her name correctly, she smiled a beautiful shy smile, and said, “Perfect!”      “What a beautiful name,” I said, “What does it mean?”     She looked at me for a moment and quietly said, “A river runs through heaven.”   I repeated the words, “…a river runs through heaven…, how beautiful!” 

My eyes began to well with tears; I knew why she was there, and although I wasn’t supposed to get involved, I looked at her and said, “You are a blessed child and well loved.  When you were born, your mother looked into your eyes, saw your beautiful face and declared… a river runs through heaven.”  She beamed with the innocent smile of a young girl.  I continue to remember her beautiful smile even now as I write this, and my eyes easily well up with tears. Think of it; a river running through heaven—holy replenishment from God. Not simply well water, or rain, but clean refreshing water moving rapidly to find you and replenish your soul—a river running through heaven.   I came home with her on my mind and have decided to take the time to pray for her every day until the burden leaves me. 

Young people are more prone to suicide than most people are aware; they are especially sensitive to their surroundings, to other people, and those they love. After her suicide attempt, the counselors asked her what prompted her attempt to take her life. She told them that she missed her home and the love of her family. So remember, just because someone seems to have it together, does not mean they do.  Take the time to ask young people about their feelings.  Share God’s Word of Life with them. But more importantly, remember to open your heart and share God’s Love with them.   L.

Study Reference: Psalm 69:1-3 
From: "A River Runs Through Heaven."  In The Master's Hands; 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell


**I recently watched two short videos concerning this topic on TED.com that I would like you to watch; JD Schramm, “Break the Silence of Suicide Attempt Survivors;” and, Kevin Briggs, “The Bridge Between Suicide & Life.” You can watch both videos on our  Media page.  When I wrote this daily, I truly felt led by the Spirit to write about this topic. At the time, I did not know that every 30 seconds in the world, someone attempts suicide. So, if this person is you or someone you know, please, please, please, talk to someone—friend, family, clergy, or anyone you believe you can trust for help.  Scream…”I need HELP!”  And, if they still somehow cannot understand that you are truly spiraling downward, please call a taxi, walk into the emergency room of a major hospital and personally tell a nurse or physician the truth about how you feel.  Check yourself in for the night; they will take care of you until you are ready to leave.  You really have no idea how many people truly care about you, and how much they can help you.  Know that you are stronger than depression or suicide! YOU can get better! 

Be aware, medication is not for everyone. Although I am not a physician; I believe some medications make those that are depressed, worse than they were before they began taking them.  So, be wary.  Talk to someone!  Speak up!  Share how you are feeling with someone!  You are not alone! God truly does love YOU! And He meant for YOU to LIVE!    -L.C.

*In the U.S. call the: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or click the link below.

This is a free, 24-hour hotline service available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you prefer to be online, or you are outside the U.S., you can talk with someone directly on their website. Just click the link:  www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

*Also, if you need to learn how to help someone that you believe may be in distress, check out the NSPL website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org  

“...Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”                 Matthew 6:11-15

 
Here's the thing about forgiveness, it is really basic. You must forgive those who have hurt you, because if you do not it will make YOU sick, literally!  Unforgiveness only hurts YOU.  Yes, YOU. The other person is walking around living their life while you are in pain reliving the issue.  Let it go, and let God handle it!  I am not saying it is easy; unforgive-ness coupled with deep emotional anger can be powerful opposition.  But every time you think about it, talk about it, or reiterate it, you are damaging your own body by making your immune system weak.

                The Bible says in Mark 3:27, “No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods; except he will first bind the strong man, and then he will spoil his house.”  In other words, if you are walking in the strength of God, nothing can harm you unless it binds you first.  Unforgiveness is a way to take you off your game, binding you so that you can be robbed of the principles you hold dear.  It is a way of tying your spirit down, weakening your armor so you cannot receive the blessings God has planned for your life.  

                And, since I know how difficult it can be to forgive someone who has damaged you to your very core, here's my advice.  Every time you think about it, want to talk about it, or start to reiterate the incident, stop! Start to pray for that person instead, and don't forget to pray for yourself.  I know it sounds a little corny and a little too simple; however, keep doing this every time the issue rears its ugly head.  Eventually, you will be able to dismiss the issue. 

                I must tell you, if the person has damaged you more than once, and seems to continuously travel in this direction, depending on the hierarchal position that you have placed them in your life, you may also have to dismiss them; or, get used to spending a lot more time on your knees.   L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 6:11-15  
From: "The "F" Word." In the Master's Hands; 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell

 “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.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell

“For if you love them which love you, what thank have you? For sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you? For sinners also do even the same. …But love your enemies and do good and lend, hoping for nothing in return and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest, for He is kind unto the unthankful and the evil.”                             Luke 6:32-33 & 35

 
The Human Genome Project is a relatively new science determined to unlock the “code to human life” as we know it. Not simply the double helix we have become familiar with, but a science much deeper and much more complex. With the emergence of 21st century computer technology, scientists gained the ability to reduce DNA sequencing down to a single molecule. More importantly, the genome project has cracked the genetic code giving scientists the ability to probe the unique code God ordained to create each person.  It is a fascinating technology which will offer each person the opportunity to understand his/her own personal blueprint of genetic strengths, weaknesses, or potential flaws. And, while there are some people who will seek to create “designer babies,” most people will simply want to understand how to live the best life they can with the genetic cards they have been dealt. Currently, only the wealthy can afford to know their genomic past and some of the predetermined hazards of their potential genomic future. However, in the near future, the cost is scheduled to drop significantly. Obviously, no one can determine, even after all that probing, planning, and knowledge, if you will fall prey to a freak accident or major disaster but, God. So, heed any predictions carefully and prayerfully.

What’s even more interesting about this is, unlike fingerprints which uniquely separate us from everyone else in the world, our genome connects us to all other people in the world. From a historical standpoint, genetic scientists can also identify every living cousin, or our nearest living relatives around the world.  Even more fascinating, is that these scientists have already mapped the origin of humanity’s existence back to Africa; and, as shocking as it will be to some people, back to Africans, not apes.

By now, you must be wondering, “What does all of this have to do with Jesus?” Well, while thinking about the ancestral mapping of the human genome, and its ability to give us historical data relating to every ancestor we have ever had. Not to mention, every common ancestor between us and every living human being on the earth today, consider this. With so much hate between entire nations, various races, opposing religions, countless ideals, and ideologies; ask yourself this question.  What will you do when you find out that your closest living relative, other than the ones you already know, is someone who, on the surface, seemingly does not look like you, yet is your ancestral genetic replica on the inside?

What will you do when you find out that your blood relatives are African, Caucasian, or Asian?  What about German or French, Armenian or Turkish, Serb or Croatian, Ethiopian or Eritrean? As for religions, we know that Muslims and Jews are genetic and biblical cousins; Jews and Christians are genetic and biblical brothers and sisters; all separated by interpretation and misinterpretations of the Old & New Testaments.  And, we haven’t even touched all of the subdivisions of various other religions created based on culture and tradition.  

In Luke 6:32, Jesus said that loving someone who loves you is unremarkable; everyone does so, even the wicked. And repaying goodness with goodness, is also unremarkable, everyone does it, even those that are evil. 

Our love of Jesus Christ separates us as His chosen nation, one that follows a very specific and ordained dogma.  We have sworn our allegiance to God, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, showing love not because our neighbor loved us first; but, because God said, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!” 

Yes, you have been set aside to show His marvelous light to the world.  So, if you really want to do something absolutely remarkable, something so extraordinary that Jesus said it would prove that you are His true follower; offer goodness and love toward those who you will receive nothing from in return—except maybe, wonderment and awe.   L.

Study Reference: Luke 6:31-36, 1 Peter 2:9
From: "The Human Genome." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell

 “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, can 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

“But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”                                            Matthew 14:27-31

 
Generational strongholds exist in the lives of all human beings. These strongholds are passed down through a combination of community influences and family traditions. It is a level of fear inspired by many things, race, gender, community, class, etc. I recently read about an experiment where the speaker asked two volunteers from his group to walk in opposite directions. Then he asked the group he was presenting the experiment to, to try to keep their eyes on both men. Of course, it was impossible. The onlookers had to make a choice on whom to keep their focus. The same concept exists in Christianity.  You cannot keep your eyes positioned on Jesus Christ (faith) and the principles thereof, and keep your eyes on fear.  Both fear and faith cannot live in the same spiritual realm within you, one must take precedence over the other. One may say, "We fear God."  However, our fear is not of His power, we understand His omnipotence, but of His disappointment in us. (That’s another discussion)  It's true; some of the strongholds that exist in our lives may keep us from repeating the failings of our parents, i.e. alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual misconduct, poor execution of finances, etc. But many times, it is simply fear. A disabling fear that stops us from accomplishing all that God wants us to accomplish. A fear that secretly tells us we are not worthy of God’s desire for our lives. Why should we allow F.E.A.R. (false evidence appearing real) to dictate the Divine purpose God has created for us? 

It goes back to the story of Peter seeing Jesus walking on water.  As long as he kept his eyes focused on Jesus he was fine; however, as soon as he began focusing on his surroundings, in this case, the rolling ocean, he immediately began to sink. (Matthew 14:24-32)   So remember, your surroundings are irrelevant; your bloodline is irrelevant. The uncertainties of the future are irrelevant. The stronghold that may be gripping your family, your life, or your past is irrelevant.  Release your fear; keep your eyes focused on Jesus Christ, and fulfill your Divine purpose.   L.  

Study Reference: Matthew 14:27-31 
From; "Releasing Fear."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell

“A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and, with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”           Proverbs 18:20-21 

                                                                                                          

Are you speaking ailments into your life? It is perplexing how many Christians speak ill health into their lives without really understanding or knowing that they are doing it. So many of us do it every day, it has become our mantra; a custom-made ailment specifically spoken and created by us, for us. 

For instance, “You are going to give me a heart-attack!”  “You’re a pain in the neck!” “I’m going to have a fit!”  “It’s driving me crazy!” “They’re getting on my nerves!”  “He’s a pain in the @#$%!”  Although these sayings are commonplace and seem innocent enough, they are not. They are actual affirmations spoken out loud by most of us every day which are not conducive to our physical or mental health.  

Although it is customary to ask others how they are feeling, most of us really do not want to hear a pharmaceutical list of ailments and ills. There are some people that, every time you call them, they are literally falling apart.  So much so, you find yourself falling in line with their conversation, reciting your own laundry list of ailing body parts.  It is infectious!  Rebuke it!  When you are around others who speak illness into their lives, do not fall prey to the trap.  Resist the urge to add your own list to their repertoire.  Feel free to pray for them, but do not fall prey to reciting your own list.  Instead, the next time you speak to someone who is an “A-Lister,” my specific term for a habitual ailment-lister, tell them how very blessed you are to be walking in the light of God’s love and health.  If you do this enough times, you can be certain that the person will eventually stop offering you a list of their ailing body parts.  If you are this person, you are literally making yourself sick.

Speak health, wellness, and rejuvenation into your life.  As a child of the Most High God, healing is a part of your legacy.  When Jesus went to Calvary He bore all our curses, diseases, pain, torments, ailments, and the like.  Why call it back to yourself when you really don’t have to? 

Study Reference: Proverbs 18:20-21, Psalm 103:3-5
From: "Speaking Heath." In The Master's Hands. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell