​“Lead me in Thy Truth, and teach me; for Thou art the God of my Salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day.”  
Psalm 25:5
 

Sometimes, our personal truth can be relative.  It can change based on a given situation, person, or premise; however, God’s Truth is not relative; it remains constant no matter who we are, what our perspective is, or what premise we apply. For example, gravity is a truth that remains constant. It does not change unless it is not there.
Our circumstances, on the other hand, may appear one way at this moment, and completely different an hour from now.  The Bible says that we wait upon the Lord, because He is our Trust, our Truth, and our Salvation.
 
In a discussion recently, I told a friend that, the reason I try not to manipulate extenuating circumstances around me, is not because I don’t have the intellect or inclination to try; but, because I know that I can only see a very minuscule slice of my life at any given second. God knows the past, present, and future within any given millisecond of our lives, and how it incorporates all the intersecting interactions from every life connected to us. So, unlike you and me, His commands are not contained within any given time frame. It looks into the present, accesses the past, and plans for the future concurrently.  This way, every thought and every decision, will have the maximum impact on our lives, resulting in the precise outcome He ordered. Our decisions, on the other hand, can only take our past and present circumstances into consideration.

So today, before you decide to manipulate something or someone into doing something that you think might work in your favor; why not try asking for God’s guidance and direction instead.  L.
 
Study Reference: Psalm 25:5  
From: "Your Thoughts: Before You Leap." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock 

**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.

“In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.  In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men.  And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended It not.”    John 1:1-5
 
 
There’s an old adage reiterated by Franciscan monks that says, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness!”
Like the passing of the legendary Olympic torch from one person to another, God’s eternal Flame must ignite the hearts of man, going from one person to another, until His Flame, burning brightly, has gone throughout the world.

The original ignition of the Flame began with ONE. Then, that ONE ignited the hearts of 12 others who sent it burning throughout the ages until it reached –YOU.  Now, every person that you speak to has an opportunity to carry that Flame forward through time, or not.  

You cannot fear how the Flame is received. For some, the Flame will be a roaring fire igniting them to action. While for others, it will be a dimly lit spark barely noticeable by anyone.  Your job is to simply make the delivery, remembering that, the igniting of this Flame is passed on to others through you, your words, and your actions.  Its ignition is in your daily decision to share your compassion, kindness, love, honor, respect, and forgiveness so that others may see The Word of God alive in you.   You make this decision every second, of every minute, of every day, in every interaction, and every conversation. This Flame has no language barrier, no cultural differences, no international borders or racial divides.  And yet, amazingly, God placed the power to light this Flame in YOU.  
But first, you must Light one candle, YOURS.  L.
 
Study Reference: John 1:1-5
From: “The Light Within.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Xuite

“Who is a God like unto Thee that pardons iniquity and passes by the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”      Micah 7:18-19

For many Christians, including myself, forgiveness is a big issue. It's not simply forgiving others, although that may be just as big an issue, but forgiving ourselves. We consider our deeds or misdeeds, and think to ourselves, God cannot forgive us for whatever act /sin we believe we have committed.  We make this statement so true in our own minds that forgiving ourselves seem completely outrageous. So, we wallow in the arms of self-pity, doubt, and fear, languishing in darkness, instead of what should be the Light of forgiveness and the Grace of God.

In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reminds us that His thoughts are far beyond our level of thinking.  In it He says;
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways…  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

God travels on the ultimate high road, offering compassion and granting forgiveness to all those who ask. If this is so, how can we ever believe that God will not forgive us for past or even future misdeeds?  We cannot think like God; our understanding of His forgiveness is often misguided and limited.  And yet, no one else can tell you to forgive yourself for something you have done, if you do not believe you deserve forgiveness. Your quest is to ask God for His forgiveness, repenting of your sins cloaked under the blood of Jesus Christ.

Once you have done so, you must believe that His forgiveness has occurred; and, fully accept that the thoughts of your Father in Heaven are far beyond both your expectations and your understanding. -Now there are times when you will have to ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt, however, forgiving yourself can only start with God. L.

Study Reference: Micah 7:18-19  
From: "Forgiving Yourself."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: shutterstock

​“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

​“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shall escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether hold thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed; and who knows whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?       Esther 4:13-14


The story of Esther is a fascinating story!  When you have some time, read the entire book for yourself.  The story is really about conquering anxiety and releasing fear to accomplish God's desire for your life. The annual Jewish celebration of Purim is actually based on this historical / biblical event.

When we read the story of Esther, most of us look at her self-sacrifice and heroism; however, today let's take a look at Mordecai, the adult cousin, who became her guardian and mentor. It was a custom in all communities around the world to take the responsibility of raising a family member's child/ children if they became orphans, or if their parents simply could not care for them. In some cases, if a wealthy member of the family or community were childless, someone would send their own child to them to raise as their own.  It was rare that a couple went without having children, whether they were biological or not.  Today we look at people like Madonna and Angelina Jolie, and are perplexed at their decision to adopt children from the ravages of poverty.  Esther’s cousin Mordecai, whom she referred to as her uncle must have been a man with a good heart.  He not only agreed to raise Esther as his own child, he gave her the principles that would nurture a love for God, ultimately leading her to the kind of heroism that would save an entire nation. He taught her self-reliance, respect, bravery, and altruism. He thought she was beautiful, and because he thought so, and told her so, she believed him.  Through his influence and guidance she would follow the path God designed for her life.

Each one of us has the ability to shape the lives of the children directly in our lives or somewhere around us. Many of us can search our past to find more than one adult, other than our parents, who shaped and nurtured our minds, talents, and gifts.  They taught us to cast out fear, so that we could become the person we are today.  We have to look around us and nurture the children who will one day become our guardians.  As is the circle of life, one day they will return the favor by fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives, and you never know—they too might save a nation!  L.  

Study Reference: Esther 4:11-16 
From:"Saving A Nation."  In The Master's Hands II: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo; overflowed

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”            
Ephesians 6:18-20
 

Have you ever wanted to give up praying for someone who you thought was lost? —Maybe for someone who would never make it into God's house, much less His Kingdom?  One day, after our usual after church luncheon, we sat at the dining table having a very lively discussion concerning our pastor's sermon on "vision."
​As the discussion continued, there was a knock at the door.  When our host opened the door, a young woman with a beaming smile asked, "Can I speak to you for a moment?"   Thinking that she might know the young woman’s family, our host said, "Sure, come in!    After the young woman came into the house, the entire group greeted her.  When she saw the group seated at the table, she turned smiling to our host and said, "Are you Christians?"   Our host, smiling back said, "—Yes!"  The young woman beamed even wider and said, "So am I, I go to the new church up the street, but I couldn't sit in there any longer knowing that there are so many people outside the church who need to know about Jesus. So a group of us decided to walk door-to-door instead of going to our afternoon youth meeting."

We continued speaking with this young woman as she gave her testimony regarding how she came to know Jesus Christ. Let's just say, although she was the product of a Christian home, for years, she was the intent focus of her mother's prayers and bouts of fasting.  Surprisingly,  it turns out, our host knew her mother, although she had never met our young visitor. As she continued to speak, we realized that we all knew her brother, an amazing young pastor. This young woman, the product of her mother's prayers, pleas, and God’s amazing Grace, was the one that God chose to place an overwhelming Spirit to leave the confines of the pews, to personally go out into the neighborhood, and tell others about Christ. 

Don’t give up on those you pray for; maintain an eternal view of any and all circumstances that you may be faced with. The passion God has for your life and the lives of those you pray for is no comparison to a circumstance.  
--So, go ahead, pray for them again!  L.

Study Reference: Ephesians 6:18-20  
From: "A Knock At The Door."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo:  bstatic

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power …”      Ephesians 1:18-19


I listened as a group of young Christians discussed the first time they really began to understand God’s presence in their lives. Each spoke about their respective “Ah-ah” moment; some, more profound than others. One girl, a fresh-faced young woman, dressed simply in a pink sweater, t-shirt, and jeans, spoke the most candidly about her revelation. 

“My moment is not as profound as some of the others.”  She said earnestly, “It goes back to when I was a little younger.  I’m the eldest of six children, and my parents always dragged all of us to church. -With six children, you can imagine how much chaos it was just getting everyone in the car. One day after communion, as we all piled into the car; there was more chaos than usual. All the kids were yelling, arguing, and just driving my Mom crazy. She finally turned around and yelled, “For crying out loud, didn't you just receive Jesus!”  It really made me think; and it led me to understand that we work every day to be more like Jesus. That was my, Ah-ah moment!” She continued by saying, “I realized then that living in Christ is a constant journey. You literally try more and more each day to be like Jesus. It doesn't happen overnight.”

That young woman discovered something that most Christian adults have difficulty understanding. As Christians, the character of Jesus is our life’s goal; we work on it continuously—day by day; for some of us, minute by minute. It is not simply attending church services, and taking communion. It is a level of thinking, believing, and an evolutionary building of our moral resolve. It is a standard of living with the understanding that we are tested daily in our interactions with others, and in the way we live in this world. Not because we are judged by our works; but, because we consider ourselves children of God and have discovered that living in keen awareness of God’s desire for our lives, is much more advantageous to us than not. 

We strive daily to be more like Jesus in all we do, because simply put, we believe we are sons and daughters of the Most High God. L.

Study Reference: Ephesians 1:18-20 
From: "Becoming More Like Jesus." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
*Photo credit: Tungnam HK

“...Then The Spirit said unto Philip, “Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.” And Philip ran there to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, “Understandest thou what thou read?”  And he said, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” And he desired Phillip that he would come up and sit with him.”      Acts 8:29-30


Seeking God is highly personal, and you never know when or where non-Christians will seek to learn more about God. One day on my way to church, my cabdriver, an old-fashioned dread-locked Rastafarian, led us into a discussion about Jesus.  Our discussion was much too long to go into specifics; however, as it ensued, I learned why Rastafarians consider Haile Selassie akin to God.  They believe that Selassie, the confirmed 223rd direct descendant of King Solomon, is Jesus. And since the leaders of seventy-two world nations witnessed his coronation in Ethiopia as "king of kings," their conclusion was that, he must be our Savior reborn; although, Selassie himself never made such a claim. Our discussion was wonderfully energetic, and we planned to have a deeper discussion of the life of Jesus and Christianity upon his visit to my church at a later date.

In today’s passage, the Ethiopian Chamberlain of Queen Candace’s court, was unknowingly reading about the life of Jesus as found in the prophetic book of Isaiah, without fully understanding the texts; when supernaturally, the apostle Phillip appears next to his chariot to explain the prophesy concerning Jesus’ life and subsequent resurrection. The Chamberlain finds the information gained from Phillip so spiritually compelling that, the next body of water he sees, he asks Phillip to baptize him immediately. Once he confirms his belief and the baptism is completed, Phillip miraculously vanishes, appearing in another town miles away to evangelize further. The Chamberlain goes on his way rejoicing armed with the Holy Spirit!  Historically, it turns out that, Ethiopia was the first place where a reigning ruler converted to Christianity, establishing one of the oldest Christian enclaves in the world.  In addition, it has been referenced that the Chamberlain eventually became an apostle, evangelizing the gospel of Christ into South Asia, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka),  East Africa, and  Arabia Felix (now a smaller Yemen), until he was eventually martyred. God certainly does not waste His resources!  One person taught another person and look what happened!

Like the Ethiopian Chamberlain, when someone is seeking to learn more about God, you never know if it is going to be convenient for you or not. Why do I say this? –Well, the discussion with my driver lasted long enough for me to see the congregation coming out of the very church I was supposed to be going into.
“Wow, it looks like the people are leaving,” I said, a little surprised. “–I can’t believe I missed church.”  My driver turned to me and smiled, “Not to worry Sistah, we had church right here!”    “True!”  I said smiling at him. “True.”  L.  

Study Reference: Acts 8:26-39
Excerpt from: "An Inconvenient Time."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Smithsonian​

“By Him therefore let us offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”  
Hebrews 13:15-16  
 

I am not certain if I ever really understood the concept of sacrificial praise.  I had been praying all week for a little 2 ½ year old boy who was vaccinated with the flu vaccine, and was now severely ill and hospitalized.  Although he was very sick, I somehow knew he was going to be alright. Yet, instead of freely feeling the act of praise, I felt extremely sad the entire week.

I only saw this child on those occasions when our paths crossed as his mother was picking him up from his babysitter and I was coming home from work. This little boy was always so happy to see me, using his infectious smile to welcome me into the building’s elevator as he was on his way out. So, it was with some surprise when I saw his mother without him that I said,
“Where’s the baby?”  She looked down at the floor with complete sadness in her eyes. “He’s in the hospital.”  “The hospital?”  I said, a little surprised. “What is he doing in the hospital?     “I took him to get the flu shot, and he had a really bad reaction to the vaccine.”  She said, Her eyes welling up with tears, “--He is not doing well.”   We spoke for a few more minutes.  Then I said, “I am going to pray for him, but you need to pray for him also.  You are his mother, and your prayer is very important for him. God always answers a mother’s prayer for her children.  --By the way, what is his name?”   “D.J.”  She said.  “Okay, I’ll pray for D.J.”  She took the elevator up, and I went for my walk.

For the next hour, I walked and talked with God, praying for D.J., pleading with God for the return of his smile, and a full recovery. Reminding God that D.J. had not had the opportunity to experience anything but his little toys and his mother’s love.  He had not ridden a tricycle, reached puberty, had his first crush, or experienced the pain of a broken heart. All I could think about was his little body, little hands, and that smile. I walked with tears in my eyes. 

I walked and prayed, but I have to tell you, I certainly did not feel  like praising, I just felt sad.  The kind of sadness you get when you focus on the problem and not the solution.  I kept thinking about D.J. laying in the hospital on life support, and not the solution—the extremely powerful healing Love of Jesus Christ. I knew Jesus would work it out, but somehow I could not focus on the solution, only the problem. 

 Then it hit me, this is what God meant by sacrificial praise. This is what “sacrifice of praise” really means, and why it is called a sacrifice of praise.  It is the praise we offer to God that comes out of the deep sadness we feel when we focus on the problem, not the solution. More specifically, it is when our focus is so muddled with the problem; we cannot see the miracle that is our life unfolding in our midst. —And, even though we feel  like we can’t get out of bed to praise God for the very breath we take, we praise Him anyway!  

It is why the offering of your praise is a sacrifice; you really don’t feel  like offering it.  It doesn't come out freely with jubilation and passion.  You may feel the jubilation and passion after you begin, but it does not start out like that.  You literally have to push through deep sadness or some other mood just to offer the praise of your lips.  Nevertheless, if you could just see the other side as I imagine God sees it.  Those unrelenting, deeply sad praises are the kind of praise king David wrote about in so many of his Psalms; the ones where he is running, hiding, dodging enemies, or fighting his way out.  The ones where, although he cannot see the end—he knows God is with him.  It is that praise, which is even more pleasing to God!   It is the one where you are praising God, not because of something He’s done; not even because of something He is going to do; but, simply because He just is! —And, no matter how bad it gets, you know,
—you truly know, He is!  More importantly, it is the realization that, how you feel simply doesn't matter, because you are going to praise Him anyway!

So today, push pass your listless, non-praising, dispassionate, tired self, and remember to say Hallelujah, Glory to God, because no matter what happens, whether you feel Him or not, God’s is right there with you!  L.
*P.S. I saw D.J., he is out of the hospital and that fabulous smile is back!  Hallelujah, Glory to God!

Study Reference: Hebrews 13:15, Psalm 142:1-7 
From:"The Sacrifice of Praise." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: sculpture: pentateuque by fabien merelle
​

​“Then his lord, after he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desired me; should not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?”  
Matthew 18:32-33 
 
​
After a week about Love, how has Love defined you? Are you defined by the Love you received or by a broken heart?

Each person has a defining moment that centers their life.  For some of us, the defining moment is a uniquely positive experience that somehow teaches us how to love completely, unconditionally, and unabashed; superseding any of the negative experiences in our lives. However, for far too many people, their defining moment is shaped by a negative experience that encircles their life, changing the very core of who they are supposed to become.  My friend Elliott, sums it up this way, “What you don’t understand is, there are lots of people carrying around a lot of pain. It’s so deep-rooted that many of them don’t even know they are carrying it.”  
This is true. We’re all human. We all carry around some type of pain. Yet, haven’t we learned to separate the pain of childhood, adolescence, and interpersonal relationships from the routines of our daily lives?  We must have; because, for the most part, we really have no choice if we are to walk through this life with some degree of maturity. But, what about the rest of us?  Are other people destined to walk on eggshells simply because we enter a room? 

At some point the pain we internalized as children, and as adults, must be released if we are to become functioning members of society; and, at best, functioning Christians.  We have no choice but to forgive those who have harmed us with what we have come to believe is irrevocable pain.  If we do not, we harm ourselves by carrying the equivalent of a 10-ton weight firmly secured around our necks, defining the very act of how we raise our heads to greet the world.  As always, I am the last one to say that forgiveness is easy—it isn't.  Some people are better at it than others; because, they make a conscious effort to practice its art form.  It really is something you have to practice.
--Something you must make up your mind to do for yourself!    It’s true, sometimes the other person benefits from your forgiveness, but its importance is primarily for you. 

Wasn’t this the importance of one of Jesus’ principles when He presented the parable of the king who forgave his servant 10,000 talents; yet, the servant would not forgive his fellow servant one hundred pence?  On the surface, the story seems almost comical; it does not appear to make any sense at all. Who, in their right mind, would ask for forgiveness for owing so much and not forgive something so minuscule?  Most of us would be so happy that our debt is forgiven, we would instantly become Oprah, “You get a car, you get a car, you get a car; everybody gets a car!”  

Maybe we need to look at this in the reverse. If we have trouble forgiving someone else, maybe we should ask God not to forgive us for the acts committed against Him; because, we cannot forgive the atrocities enacted against us. 

Fortunately, the defining moment and key marker for all Christians is our baptism; it is where we gain the ability to release our sins onto Jesus Christ, accepting His forgiveness and receiving His blessing.  Let’s not make the inability to forgive others the defining marker for our eternal life—much less our current lives.   L.

Study Reference: Matthew 18:23-35  
From; "Redefining The Art of Forgiveness." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo; Bigger Pockets

​“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
​

“And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore, my husband will love me.”          Genesis 29:32


What happens when you believe you are in love with someone?  —​How does this change your behavior?
There is an old song in which the refrain says, "There's a thin line between love and hate."    And, an adage that reads, "All is fair in love and war!"    It's not a Jesus principle, but some Christians use it as their mantra.

See, here's the problem; if you are a man or woman in-love, and you feel compelled to continuously manipulate, deceive, lie, and conjure, a potential mate into loving you, your union has not come from the Holy Spirit, no matter what you may tell yourself.  And, eventually, the things that were used in the past to hold him or her, will not work to keep your potential mate in the future.

Love can be duplicitous; it can empower us to be at our strongest, and it can soften our hewn edges to render us our weakest. We really have to pray when trying to determine who our mate will be; because, we can be easily deceived and led astray if we believe there is a void in this area of our life.

G.P.S, —​God's Positioning System is the Holy Spirit. If you are a Christian and in love with someone, at some point you must ask for direction; because, your own heart will almost always lead you astray, and any type of deception will always come back to haunt you.  

So, keep this prayer in mind. "Lord God, thank you for my potential mate. Help me to select the man or woman of my dreams within the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  —​Search my heart and theirs for the perfect match. Teach us how to Love each other. Temper our hearts with patience, gratitude, compassion, generosity, integrity, kindness, and Love.  In the Name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen."   L. 

Reference Study: Genesis 29:20-25
Excerpt from: "A Thin Line" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wordpress

“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

​"...Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seek not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but whether there be prophesies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease, whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;  But when that which is Perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I also am known. And now abide Faith, Hope, and Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.”     1 Corinthians 13:4-13 


Without love, there is nothing …There is nothing, without love.     

I am convinced that pure love conquers all, heals all, prevents all, and saves all.  It knows all, discerns all, creates all, perceives all, teaches all, finds all, reveals all, identifies all, and so on.  It is the remedy for everything, and without it, there is nothing and nothingness.  It is the reason we believe God is Love.  Nothing can exist without it.  No human, animal, vegetable, flora, fauna, or fish.  It is not only God’s love for us, or our love for Him; it is the encompassing and extension of our love to others.  As God’s Ultimate Gift, it is the greatest thing He imparted to us, and it continues to keep us in accord with Him, whether we believe or not. 

As humanity, we cannot function without it. When we find it missing at the youngest stages of life, it manifests as wicked pathologies and dysfunctions that disable future adults from the basics of a common humanity most of us take for granted.  And, if it is still not discovered into adulthood, the mind finds ways of creating “love,” often, to the destruction of itself or others. 

We search for it,—yearn for it, and eagerly find ways of capturing even the most minuscule traces of it in others.  We will give up our lives for it; and we will save the lives of others because of it. It heals our hearts and replenishes our souls.  What else could it be, but from God?  It is not physical love, but it can be.  It is not romantic love, but it can be. It is a thing so massive, both its depth and breadth is unimaginable. And yet, even the most minuscule unseen bit, once offered, can propel us to greatness.  Imagine.  ...It lives long after we have died and continues to work long after we have lived.  What else could it be, but of God. 

In this new year why not move your life in the direction of finding out more about it?  Not to garner more of God’s Gift from others to yourself, but to offer more of it to others—for yourself.

Change to Love—you’ll change your life. 
                   Change your life--You will change the world.  L. 

Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13  *(The Gideon King James Bible) 
From: "Love." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock ​

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  
​Ephesians 6:12  

 
In an effort to love one another, we sometimes damage each other instead. So eventually, at some point, someone will  hurt you. Sometimes, it is unplanned but purposeful; and, sometimes it is completely accidental. Then there are times, when the pain is easily dismissed; and, there are other times when it is not, making forgiveness difficult. Whether or not we recover is the issue.  

Sometimes we can almost see directly into the heart of the other person and because of their  humility, forgiveness comes easily.  And then, there are times when our love for the other person supersedes the pain we feel, and again, forgiveness comes easily. 

Yet, more prevalent are those times when fierce defiance compels us to plant our feet in the ground, requiring that we stand firmly in the cement of unforgiveness. I don't know about you, but for me, forgiveness is one of the most difficult aspects of being a Christian. Sometimes I believe I can forgive someone for the pain they have caused, yet, I find I cannot bring myself to even utter the simple phrase, "Good Morning."  
My good friend Elliott Lamour once said to me: 

“You have to really understand Ephesians 6:12.  When you understand this, you will understand that sometimes you will say something, and the other person will actually hear something completely different, causing complete confusion, bitterness, resentment, and war. The more you understand this, the easier it will be to forgive someone. Our struggle is not against people, it is against principalities.”  

These words are true indeed. So, with this in mind, let’s make a conscious effort to work on forgiving each other, especially those people we believe have purposefully damaged us. But, I can tell you from experience; it is much easier said, than done.  -But, do it anyway.  L.

Study Reference: Ephesians 6:10-13
From: "Damaged."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: istock  

​ “I Am My Beloved’s, and My Beloved is Mine…”        Song of Solomon 6:3  


Most people want to belong to something or someone; it is rare to find someone who truly wants to be completely alone. We often say it; and yet, we rarely mean it. Even when it appears that we really want to be alone, it is only because we cannot be with the specific person we ideally want to be with.  So, we make the decision to be alone, because, having no one is better than just anyone. We long to find the ultimate person whom we can share our hearts with, so we spend a considerable amount of time searching for the right one; or, the right thing that will ultimately make us feel as if we belong to something greater than ourselves. –That’s what Love does to us; it makes us feel greater than ourselves.  It broadens the vantage point of who we believe we are, transcending the highest point of our life to place us on the acme of our own personal mountain.

The problem with this feeling, in our current culture, is that, it rarely lasts. Eventually, we will discover something about our beloved that betrays how we feel, or vice versa.  We eventually discover our beloved’s weakness or flaw. It is that thing we learn about our beloved that can eventually be used as ammunition against them, to cause them conscious pain when they are the most vulnerable. We also have a flaw. –It is that tender spot that somehow cannot be touched by others. –That broken thing.  Some of us have more than one; some of us have a battalion.  It’s that thing most of us want to hide about ourselves; that "thing" that we believe no one will find acceptable.   Yet, the truth is, our flaw is the very thing that attracts our soul mate into our lives. 

Our instinct is to find the one whose weakness or flaw is adorable to us and vice versa. A weakness or flaw that we not only can live with; but, that we truly believe is acceptable and dismissive. A flaw that others see as a problem for them to love, yet, one that we find enhances our love.  It is like having your own personal handicap that everyone notices, except one person.  Somehow that noticeably, obvious flaw, is unnoticeable to them; he or she only sees you.  This Love is our quest; it is us seeking God's Gift to humanity.

When we know of God, of His Son Jesus Christ, we are accepted in spite of our flaws.  Our lack of perfection is the very thing that He seeks out.  It is the very reason He sent a part of Himself to the cross.  Our flaws, although noticeable to Him, are irrelevant.  He understands our vulnerabilities and weaknesses –and accepts us anyway. 

Our love can waver like the tides of the ocean; but, God’s Love is everlasting.  It does not stray, does not falter.  It can never fade, leave, or dissolve.  It is here forever.  You are God's Beloved. You are the very reason He sent Jesus to the Cross. He understands your flaws and weaknesses, He calls it,–humanity.  There is nothing in your past, present, or future that, in coming to God in repentance, will not be forgiven. –Nothing!     L. 
​
Study Reference: Song of Solomon 
From: "Be-Loved." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: clipartlifegm

​“And God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth;” And it was so. ...And God saw that it was good.”      Genesis 1:11-12
 

All life is a seed, even you. 
It is astonishing how one single seed can reap so much fruit. What's even more fascinating is that, the fruit from one seed, planted by a farmer in another part of the world, winds up traveling thousands of miles across oceans, just to feed us.  Mangoes from Mexico, kiwis from Australia, bananas from Guatemala, star apples from Costa Rica, pitted dates from Morocco, or figs from Turkey.  If you stop for a moment to acknowledge that a farmer in some distant town or country tilled the land just so that you could have a piece of fruit or some other sustenance, it can be truly overwhelming.

The Bible uses the term “seed” as a metaphor for all kinds of biblical concepts. It can be an actual seed for planting; or, it can be a thought, a beginning, a lesson, an idea, a child, even currency.  Yet, the most fascinating is that, before God completed the creation of the world, He placed seeds in every living thing to recreate itself.  Even the Word of God is a seed.  It places a thought within us, and with it we gain the ability to blossom beyond our current circumstances.  Oftentimes, the thought is internalized so deeply, it transforms us beyond recognition.  God also gave each of us the seed to recreate human life. Whether it’s biological or with the manifestation of our words, we are laden with seeds. And, while we may consciously withhold ourselves from the active transmission of our biological seeds, our words can be strewn with the flick of our tongue; words carried far and wide by the winds of life, without regard to their effect. These tiny unseen seeds have the power to grant life or death, war or peace, growth or decay, lethal criticism or joyous praise. 

Whether you acknowledge it or not, you continuously plant seeds every minute of every day.  It can be a simple “thank you,” a kind gesture, or a word of encouragement sown so deeply it manifests for years to come.  Or, it could be a curse, an obscene gesture, or a snide remark sown so rudely it manifests immediately, creating destruction and chaos as it travels far into someone's unforeseen future. 

All of life is a seed, even your words. The question is, when your seeds finally take root in the many people they were planted in, what will we reap? Will it continue as sustenance, feeding others far across oceans, or will it spawn continuous and utter destruction?   L.

Study Reference: Genesis 1:11-12, Proverbs 18-20-21
From: "Seeds." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Warren M/ Underwater Baby series by Seth Casteel

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.”       
Jeremiah 29:11-13


​
American writer, Henry David Thoreau, was born in 1817. He wrote in an era when the male majority literally had all the privileges of a new independence. Yet, he is credited with the quote: “Most men [and women] lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Thoreau wrote this statement contemplating his own personal understanding of quiet desperation and that of mankind.

At some point in our lives, we all suffer from secretly living in quiet desperation. For most of us, it occurs when we believe we are not fulfilling, or have no hope of realizing our God-given potential. For others, it is the full acceptance of mediocrity, both in themselves and others. It is safer to continue in the mundane routine of our daily lives, than to take the risk of the unknown, to break free of the quiet unlit embers that have somehow quelled the fire in our souls.

In today’s verse, God reminds us that no matter how dismayed we become, His thoughts towards us are of Divine Love and complete peace. No matter how discouraging our circumstances, when we call on the name of Jesus, the verse says, He will hear our plea and respond. There is absolutely no reason to go through your life in quiet desperation. At some point, you will have to really believe that God values your life’s potential.  After all, He was the One who placed it in you to begin with.

Take the time to really read your Bible; it was created to inspire deep internal thought about your life in relation to God. Use it as the ultimate tool to guide you in understanding the God-given potential for your life. Pray for guidance to alleviate any inner doubts so that you can internalize the depth of God’s Love towards you. Continue to write down your thoughts as you read. It will recalibrate your thinking to foster action, helping you to develop a keen awareness of your life’s purpose; and, eliminate that quiet desperation we often feel.  Believe that God values your life’s potential, because the contrary would be to agree with Thoreau, and, go to the grave with your song still inside you.  L.

Study Reference: Jeremiah 29:11-13 
From: "Quiet Desperation." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock