"...But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD; for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”   
Jeremiah 31:32-34

 
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There is a reason that Jesus says, "For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there Am I in the midst of them."  (Matthew 18:20)  It is the praying people of God who form a church; and, it is people who invoke God's presence with their prayers, supplications, and submittal to God's will.  We have all seen empty boarded up churches in complete disarray across our nation; God is not sitting in those churches waiting for people to show up. We have also seen storefront churches with only 20 people praising and worshiping, no matter what some of us may think about their choice of venue, God is in the midst of them.  It is the people who invoke the presence of God. 

Of course, the problem in the church is also the people.  We bring our egos, issues, past experiences, pretense, and fear with us when we gather together. Sometimes not completely understanding that those are the very things we need to leave at the door of the church before we enter.  Our church is supposed to be a refuge, a place where we gather to invoke God's presence.  Not because we cannot invoke God's presence in the park, or in our homes, or in our closet, but because, we have set aside a specific place to invoke reverence, worship, praise, and hope.  It is also a place where non-Believers, because of the presence of Believers, can feel, see, and /or hear the presence of God; not because of the place, but because of the people. 

...Architects will tell you if a building is boarded up, the building will decay much faster than if people were in it using its doors, floors, and walls. Even in decay, with people in it, it will last longer. There is something very special about the presence of God’s people. God has hidden a secret treasure map deep within the recess of our hearts for us to find Him. Let us gather together, because together, we invoke His ultimate power in unity to combat evil.  However, even then, understand that you in your solitude, through Jesus Christ, have a direct conduit to God.   L.  

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Study Reference: Jeremiah 31:32-34
From:"Within YOU."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: istock

“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 that 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 that 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 that 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


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“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. I Reminded 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
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“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD; and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the LORD upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and His seed is blessed.”
Psalm 37:23-26


The media tells us that we are in a recession, a continuous downward spiral depleting all of our financial resources. Nevertheless, included in this book on the first and last day of the year, is the blessing found in Deuteronomy 28:1-13. It was listed to remind every reader of God's blessings and promise to those who keep His statues and walk in His righteousness. I printed it out for my personal circle of friends and asked them to place it where they could see it on a daily basis; you should do the same. It will be a reminder when everything around you is spiraling downward to keep your eyes on the Master and not a downward economy.

As in all times, some will prosper and some will not. Remember, the Bible says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet, I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.”  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 37:23-26, Deuteronomy 28:1-13
From: "Becoming Recession Proof." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

     “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou know not what a day may bring forth.”    Proverbs 27:1 

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What if you found out you were going to die in a few days, not a year, or a month, but a few days?  How important would time management be to you then?  I have to admit, I am a mediocre time manager. I try to squeeze every second out of a minute by wringing milliseconds the way some of us squeeze water out of a towel.  I am forever chasing the clock, replacing what could be done with what needs to be done. 

A few years ago, I was in a conversation with a young anesthesiologist I had recently met; he was a handsome man with an athletic build who appeared exquisitely healthy.  I was surprised when he told me his age because he looked much younger than his actual age.  When I complimented him on his athletic build, he responded that only a month ago, he was "this much," gesturing the measurement of an inch with his fingers, “from death.”  As it turns out, his physician discovered one of those terminal diseases involving the brain stem whose name I cannot remember.  As we talked about it, I could see the emotion welling in his eyes.  “You know,” I said, “…you have to remember that faith is more significant when it comes to healing than most people understand.  And to be honest with you, sometimes physicians know way too much.  It is quite possible that now is the time for you to increase your level of faith. —Faith changes everything!”   “True,” was all he said, and he sped off.   As I thought about our conversation later that evening, I came to the conclusion that we are all terminal; he simply had a clearer understanding of how soon his time may come to an end. 

When we follow the life of Jesus, He knew His mortal life was terminal.  He knew when, where, how, what, and why His life was to be given/ taken; so, He spent His days teaching, speaking, healing, and loving those around Him. He impacted their lives so deeply that they would later impact the lives of billions far into the future.  Truthfully, we waste a lot of time on useless issues, not really spending quality time with those we really love, significantly impacting their lives with the kind of love that empowers them to impact others.  Maybe spending time with the people we really care about, and doing the things that truly honor God to fulfill our purpose, is our true time management.  If this is so, everything else becomes filler and can easily be eliminated.   L.   

Study Reference: Proverbs 27:1 
From: "Time Management." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

“There is a path which no fowl knows, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen. The lion whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. He puts forth His hand upon the rock; He overturns the mountains by the roots. He cuts out rivers among the rocks, and His eye sees every precious thing. He binds the flood from overflowing, and the thing that is hid, brings He forth to light.”     Job 28:7-11
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Today, Michelangelo is considered a master artist of the Italian Renaissance. As a 15th century master painter and sculptor, he created some of the art world’s most famous masterpieces of religious subjects; including, The Pietà, David, and The Sistine Chapel. Although there are many other works, these are the most famous and easily recognizable. Most of his masterpieces are massive, even by modern standards. David, one of the largest, was 17-ft tall at its completion. It represents a young King David armed with a slingshot over his shoulder, contemplating the fight with the Philistine giant, Goliath. The Pietà is a solemn depiction of the “lifeless” body of Jesus, draped across His Mother’s lap; His face frozen in agony and pain, while Mary mourns the death, not of The Christ, but of her son.  And later, The Sistine Chapel, a small chapel, whose vaulted ceilings Michelangelo was originally commissioned to paint by the Papacy of Pope Julius ll. This magnificent work depicts biblical events from Genesis to Revelation. It was one of the most difficult to produce, since Michelangelo had to mount a scaffold for hours at a time for several years, reportedly on his back, to produce the work.

Although his artistic genius was never in dispute, when peers and onlookers asked him how he was able to create such masterworks like, David and The Pietà out of dead slabs of marble; his response was that, when he looked at the selected marble slab, he saw the sculpted image already encased within the marble. He believed that God had already placed the image inside the marble, and that he simply removed the excess stone and debris camouflaging the form, enabling the world to see the image! 

Sometimes, God will allow YOU to see where others cannot; it is up to you whether you choose to be obedient and accept what He shows you, or not. Oftentimes, the image He shows you may not be immediately attainable.  In many instances, like Michelangelo’s masterpieces, it may take years to materialize, revealing only bits and pieces of the complete vision. —Often, leaving others to lose faith,  wondering what it was that you really envisioned.  Yet, like the biblical story of God’s unseen army surrounding Elisha, not everyone can see what God wants only you to see.
So, keep your eyes open, stay on track, and most of all, -don't  lose Faith.  L.

Study Reference: Job 28:7-11, 2 Kings 6:15-18 
From: "Seeing What Others Cannot."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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    "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 
 
​
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 that have occurred 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 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 on to 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

"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 that 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:  Pinterest

​"Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”        Matthew 18:18-20


As Christians, we believe God will listen to the honest repentance and confession of sins from one person on behalf of a group. Does this mean that someone who has faith in God can supplicate to restore a nation, church family, organization, group, or person back to the blessing and favor of God? -Absolutely!

If you believe that one person can offer supplication to God on behalf of others, then what are YOU waiting for?
You may be just the one that God is waiting to hear from! Your personal confession and repentance for the sins of both yourself and others may be exactly what God needs to restore your family, nation, church, organization, or group back into God’s favor. Don’t bother to spend time looking around, waiting for others to step up to the plate. God’s Grace is never full.  It just might be YOU who God is waiting for!

Find the time today to pray for your family, friends, neighbors, and even that perfect stranger who is sitting right next to you on the bus; because, whether they know it or not, your prayer may be exactly what they need today.  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 18: 18-20
From: "Intercessors." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

      “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, and said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and He heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and Thou heard my voice."    Jonah 2:1-2


As a child I loved the story of Jonah,  Unlike Job, and more like us, Jonah purposely decides to disobey God; and then, in continued stubbornness, he tries desperately to flee from the sight of Him.  The story begins with God asking Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh about their behavior, but Jonah believes Nineveh is wicked, and should perish. So, Jonah decides to go as far in the opposite direction as he can. Well, you know the rest of the story concerning the whale, so let's fast-forward.

Back in Nineveh, Jonah does such a great job convincing the 60,000 people of Nineveh to repent, that their king orders prayer, fasting, sacrifice, and worship to God. This includes every man, woman, child, and beasts of burden. God, in His infinite compassion, decides to have mercy and not destroy Nineveh. However, Jonah is thoroughly disgusted! —​This is the very reason he ran from God in the first place; he knew God would have mercy and save Nineveh!  Yet surprisingly, God allows Jonah to be angry; and, at the end of the story, He explains why He saved the city of Nineveh by asking Jonah, "Shall I destroy 60,000 people who cannot discern between their left and right hand?" (Jonah 3:11)

So, let's recap. Jonah, a die-hard Believer, hoping that an evil city and its people are destroyed, decides to disobey God by fleeing from His sight, just so he doesn't have to warn the populace to repent.  Sailors throw him into the ocean to die; but, God rescues him, keeping him in the gastric bypass of a whale for 3 days, until he can't take it anymore and prays his way out.  He finally does what God commanded him to do, and what happens to the evil people? Nothing!  —No death, no destruction, not even a little mayhem. The people are saved!  Sounds familiar? —It should.

If you are a Christian Pastor / Leader / Believer, and you purposely disobey God, you are going to be forgiven upon repentance; but, like Jonah, you are also going to pay for your disobedience. Don't bother to point to the ones who are constantly opposing God; the Bible says, they “…cannot discern between their left and right hand.”   So for now, they will have Divine Grace... But you—you will be in the belly of the whale praying your way out!  L.

Reference Study: Jonah 2:1-10, 3:11
From: "Praying Your Way Out." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: picture adventures ​

"I will love Thee, O Lord, my  Strength.”    
​Psalm 18:1


Today’s verse is really very simple. As a Christian, one day you will look back on the worst days of your life, and realize that the only reason you survived without falling apart, is because, while you were wallowing in deep sadness, thinking that you would  never  recover, the strength of God’s Love revealed itself in your weakness.  His Strength compelled you to make yourself breakfast. It      helped you to get to work, it increased your productivity, and brought you through to the other side of your sadness unscathed. 

Looking back, you now know that there is a process of self-discovery that no one can tell you about; it is the knowledge that God’s Love is real in your life.  It is not praise, and it is not worship; it is simply a place in time when you know, that you know, God has been The Supernatural Strength in your life the entire time. Yes. In good times and in bad times, He has been with You!  -You thought that you were all alone, seeing only one set of footprints marking all the places where your life has been. But now, looking back at all the times when you felt broken, just like the poem, Footprints in the Sand,  today, you know  that, God has been carrying YOU the entire time!  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 18:1
From: “Your Thoughts: My Strength In Weakness."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: J. Jimenez ​

   
"Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was  created, till iniquity was found in thee.”  
Ezekiel 28:15
 

There’s nothing wrong with being unsure of yourself; in most instances, insecurity compels us to practice in the areas where we are the most insecure.
​For instance, if you have a fear of speaking in public, you can take public speaking classes at  Toastmasters International, a group known for aiding others with the same insecurity.  The same thing goes for singing, dancing, acting, cooking, etc.; and, just about anything else you would like to become adept in.  The more you practice, the better you will become. 

Now here’s the catch.  Chances are, even if you become good enough to be more secure than you were when you started, the craft that you are practicing will probably not be your gift.  It will not be the thing most people call your “God-given” talent.  There will always be someone better who can easily do, in his or her sleep, what you must work excruciatingly hard at, just to be mediocre.  It’s their talent, not yours.  Often, people who are extremely gifted at one thing tend to be gifted in other areas. They learn to appreciate a level of excellence in whatever task they undertake.  They also have no difficulty in appreciating the exceptional talents and gifts of others.  If you are one of those people, you will recognize yourself in the statement. However, when insecurity turns evil it becomes envy; and, this is where the tables turn. There are those who, in their insecurity, despise the talents and gifts of those who tend to be better at using their gifts.  Insecurity travels through all levels of life, from childhood to the workplace; from the workplace to church; from church to playtime on the basketball court.  It is not something new; it began with Lucifer, the most vocally gifted and beautifully stunning of all angels. 

God gave Lucifer multiple gifts; in addition to being one of the most beautiful angels in Heaven, his angelic skin was covered in every gem imaginable and unimaginable by man.  The Bible says, his voice was a combination of tabrets (drums) and pipes. So, we can only imagine when he came into God’s presence to sing, his gem-covered skin shone like the morning sun.  When he sang, his voice not only chimed in the eight-octaves of the most magnificent organ you’ve ever heard, it had its own back-beat to boot!   Yet somehow, he still wanted more!  
In Isaiah 14:13-14, the Bible says,

“For thou has said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.”

God gave him extraordinary gifts; however, being the most beautiful angel with an orchestral sound emanating from his throat was not enough -he wanted to be God! 

When we envy others for the gifts God bestowed on them, we negate our own gifts.  We become the lone man in the parable of the talents who buried his talent because he was too busy grumbling about receiving only one.  If you are insecure about your talent, learn from the best; practice the art until you are satisfied with your level of success.  But, do not fall prey to what I prefer to call, The Lucifer Syndrome, allowing your insecurity to lead you into envying others for their gifts; it will only negate your own blessed gifts, and lead you to destruction.  -Instead, why not simply praise God for just being You!   L.   

Study Reference: Ezekiel 28:13-19, Matthew 25:14-30  
From: "The Lucifer Syndrome."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo credit: pinterest

"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”  
John 15:7
 


​By nature I am an optimist; I really believe just about anything is possible!
​
God has brought me through too many things for me to believe anything else. I am fascinated every time I board an airplane, recalling the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, the two brothers who, through their bicycle engineering skills, developed the first airplane to actually take flight in the United States. Because of their quest, millions fly daily in planes weighing more than 100 tons. If you ever stop and really think about the concept of one hundred tons easily and swiftly zipping through the air, it becomes increasingly simple to dismiss the notion of an "impossible task."   There's more. 

What about your cell phone, Internet, flat screen television, and all those wireless devices, quietly emitting signals, so communication can be instantaneous; it was not that long ago that these things did not exist.  In medicine, we can look at the breakthroughs in laser eye surgery, where almost instantaneously, the eye heals itself, allowing the patient to miraculously see without glasses. Not to mention, the human body itself; a vessel God designed so exquisitely that even large quantities of poisons have to work really hard just to kill us. The Bible has already told us, there are no impossible tasks.  All things are possible through God. (Matthew 19:26)

All things are possible through God, was the thought I had after reading Mark 6:37.  It is where the disciples come to Jesus, asking Him to send the five-thousand people, who had been rapt by His teachings all day, into the villages to buy something to eat.  Jesus responds by telling His disciples, “Give ye them to eat.”  In other words, "You feed them."
It is possible that the disciples, even after being with Jesus for some time, didn't really understand that He wanted them to believe in the power of God as He did. You can’t really blame them for not understanding that they, through their belief in God, could feed the 5000 people who had followed them and stayed to hear the teachings of Jesus. 

If it were to happen today, even the most die-hard Christian optimist would still send the multitudes into town to feed themselves.  Why would we really believe we have the power to transform the lives of 5000 people? -To actually feed them?   I believe the notion of “feeding” is key. When Jesus was admonishing Peter, He asked, “Lovest thou Me?”   When Peter replied, Jesus charged him by saying “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:15-17)   In our prayers we say, “Our Father which art in heaven ...give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:9-11)

To feed someone is a metaphor for teaching, training, and/or mentoring, so they can be nourished, full and satisfied.  Whether you are getting your Daily Bread through a Bible study class, church sermons, or, reading the Bible on your own under the guidance of the Holy Spirit; as a Christian, Jesus expects for you to be fed and to feed others.  He expects for you to know that no task is impossible if you believe in Him.  
Impossibility is not a word for God; it should not be a word for you!   L. 

Study Reference: John 15:5-7
From: "Believing In The Impossible." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock
​

 "...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 prophecies, 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 ​

   

​"And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.”    
Isaiah 8:15
 
 
It is pretty easy to imagine something broken; broken things are everywhere. Some things break because they slip or fall; some things break from being mishandled or abused; while others break because they have an inherent flaw. Then there are things that break simply because of a separation. Others break from strain, disturbance, shock, or a fatal blow.  The human mind, body, and spirit is no different. We can break for all the same reasons.
 
Recently, I viewed several artifacts that were created using an ancient Japanese method called Kintsugi. It is the skill of repairing broken pieces. Ordinarily, most restorers of broken things attempt to camouflage any new repairs so that onlookers cannot see any evidence of the break. Yet, in Kintsugi, artisans mend broken pieces by inserting 14k gold powder to restore missing sections, often enhancing the value of the artifact. When the repair is complete, the broken item is not only more valuable than it was prior to its break, it is considered even more beautiful.
 
Looking at all the Kintsugi artifacts, reminded me of how most Believers come to God. We come searching for someone with the ability to fully restore our broken pieces; we come to Him, cracked, chipped, misused, abused, injured, wounded, fractured; or, completely broken, trying to find –The Ultimate Repairer of our breach.  
 
As the Ultimate Kintsugi Master, God takes all our broken pieces; even the ones that cannot be found by anyone else, and with the solid gold bonding of His Love, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; He mends our tears, covers our flaws, and repairs our broken fragments; so that, when others see us, they no longer see the cracks, chips, ruptures, or breaks; they can only see that we are much more beautiful than we were before.
 
Like a precious Kintsugi artifact, you will transform after your repair; you will take on a much more organic beauty. 
–Beauty that embraces the many imperfections found when opening your heart and living real life. –A life, where you embrace a deeper understanding that, humanity is inherently broken; perfection belongs only to God. So, I learned a new word to describe our Creator, –Kintsugi; The Repairer of the broken.  L.
 
Study Reference: Isaiah 8:15
From: “The Repairer of The Broken.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Billie Bond, sculptor

​ 
"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

    "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.  And eventually, we will  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: shutterstock ​

​“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 that 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  ​

     "…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