"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”    Isaiah 55:12
 

When we refer to being blessed, we usually mean that we have received an unexpected monetary windfall; or, that we have received something that we have prayed or hoped for. Yet, when the Bible speaks of a blessing, it refers to innate joy, peace, and Divine favor. For most of us, it is especially apparent when those mountains or hills that ordinarily seem ominous in our lives, are somehow divinely removed for our benefit; or, when the things that were considered smaller obstacles, stimulate the winds of change that blow instead, in our favor.  Yet, in today’s verse there are specifics in respect to what it means to be Blessed.
 
So, take a look at today’s verse again. “For ye shall go out with joy:” This means that when we leave home, we leave with Joyfulness!  The kind of joy that is easily seen, shared, and apparent.  It means that we are not easily swayed from our Love for others, our Faith in God, and an overall propensity to receive happiness.  
Yet, it does not stop there. “-And be led forth with peace:”  This means that our hearts and spirits are led forth with a banner of peace! The kind of peace that understands that, no matter what happens in this world, God is still in control.  He is in control of the ups and downs of life, the trials and tribulations of this world, and all the inherent “drama” that happens in between.
 
And, when the verse says, “The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing:  It means that all the obstacles and trials we face will break before us as we see their value in our life. As we learn their meaning to us –their song, we will witness the unfolding value of their lesson as we grow in faith.  Most of all, when we read, “And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands:” it means that the fruits, gifts, and bounty out of the Hand of God shall be released unto us in Divine Favor. So yes; a little joy, a little peace, a few good lessons; and an abundant dosage of Divine Favor!  That’s what it means to be blessed in today’s verse! 
–Just a small reminder, in case you forgot to count all your blessings today!  L.
 
Study Reference: Isaiah 55:12
From: “Your Thoughts: Blessings!” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Sant Pere-de-Primia

  "For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellence of knowledge is, that wisdom gives life to them that have it.”     Ecclesiastes 7:12


In The Balancing Act I wrote, "Achieving true balance is individual. It is your ideal understanding of how God responds in your life, and can be the difference whether your gifts are used for greatness or mediocrity —success or failure." 

And, by the way, just because I wrote this doesn't mean that I have an inkling of precisely how you should get there. That is why the achievement of balance is determined by the individual. What is balance for others may be complete chaos for you, and vice versa. The only thing that we can be certain of is, if God is missing from your life you cannot have true balance. God placed Himself in your breath, so that in the very action of breathing, your soul would seek Him. 

Planning for success is also akin to balance. It allows you to develop a deeper perspective of the work it takes for you to achieve your goal. It offers a general road map so you can see all the options placed before you, determining your values, codes, and morals. It forces us to create a standard for our life, showing others the centripetal force that governs our actions. And, more importantly, it offers a testimony of the plans you made for your life, and the plans God placed before you in spite of the ones you created for yourself. 

Achieving success is also individual. I know for some people, there’s a prevailing belief that success has to do with money. However, believing this is deceptive; success has very little to do with money. The only people who believe success is money, are the ones who don't have it, or just received it. Money helps you buy things—more stuff, and, sometimes people, but it cannot buy God. It cannot buy faith, peace, and it rarely buys true love. And, I say rarely because, sometimes in our own confusion and ignorance, God blesses us anyway with the person we really need in our life. 

Ultimately, when you have balance in your life, you will ask God for guidance to achieve “success” in your venture, your project—your life.  If you do not, well,  ...God is quite patient.  L.

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 7:12-14
From:"Achieving More Balance." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Burst

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​"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”   
​Genesis 1:28 
 

Are you a control freak?  Do you struggle with the need to control others?  There are two extremes —the need to control and the laissez-faire attitude where anything goes.  Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.  There are elements of control that enable our society to function orderly, and there are times when a little chaos within order promotes fun and creativity.  The brilliant among us find ways to combine both extremes to produce the best results. 
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Many years ago, I worked with a man who fit the control freak title to a tee.  The issue with control freaks is that, in their effort to control every aspect of their life, they believe they can control the overlapping aspects of the lives of others.  It’s easy to see how this can lead to a totally frustrated life. A control freak is really hiding his/her inadequacies, especially the inability to adapt to change. And, if there is one thing we know for sure, it’s this; change is a vital part of living, and, everything must change!  Unfortunately, an inability to change brings obsolescence; and with it, antiquated ideas concerning the reality of the world-at-large.   

Here's the thing to remember when you decide you will be the ultimate control-freak. God created the world, yet He did not control Adam or Eve.  He allowed them to determine their destiny, and ultimately ours.  Jesus, who loves us dearly, could have manipulated the events leading to Calvary and His crucifixion; yet, He did not. So, here is my question. Why would you believe you can control elements outside of yourself?  Why would you believe being the ultimate control-freak will work for you?  

The fine art of being Christian is the ability to relinquish all cares, problems, and even people to God.  In our growth we gain the understanding that we can only control ourselves, and even this, takes work. God gave us dominion; however, He gave us dominion as stewards, not as despots who would not acknowledge His sovereignty.  So, today, leave room for the Spirit of God to come in.  –Pray it up, let it go, and let God handle it!   L.

​Study Reference: Genesis 1:26-31
​From: "The Control Factor."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

 "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth…”      2 Timothy 2:24-25


Before we build a team we have to discuss the "leader;" I mean, the "servant." The concept of Servant Leadership is an oxymoron to most people. However, those who are true leaders understand that, you become a servant to those whom you lead, whether you like it or not. 

Once you accept a leadership role, your time, efforts, and training, are no longer your own. In a leadership position, every aspect of your life becomes intertwined with the decisions you make and, how those decisions impact others. Even if you are an egomaniac, or as fair-minded as Solomon, a Mom or a CEO, your decisions will create a negative or positive impact, reaching much farther than your immediate audience. 
It's true, you can surround yourself with those who nod their heads in approval of your every action, limiting both your growth and theirs; or, you can surround yourself with those who tell you the truth, thereby expanding both you and your team’s sphere of understanding and development. The one you select will indicate whether you are a servant leader, or a leader with servants. 

As Christians, we accept a role of leadership and all the moral standards that are attached, when, by virtue of our own testimony, we announce to others that we "serve" Jesus Christ. 

Obviously, Jesus is our best example of what it means to truly lead others to their full potential; He was and is the Greatest Servant Leader. Just stop and think about how His interaction with the motley crew of the twelve He led, impacted His nation, the world, and your life. L.

Study Reference: 2 Timothy 2:24-26, 3:1-7
From: "Servant Leadership: A True Leader."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​​
photo: istock

​"Again I say unto you, that if two of you 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 18:19-20
 

The human hand is the most significant analogy concerning the power of unity. A hand wide open with fingers outstretched, used with force, can slap, causing redness and pain to an offender.  However, a hand with fingers clenched tightly into a fist will produce a powerful punch, knocking out  the offender. The power of unity in your life offers a powerful punch to any entity that threatens you or those you love.  A family, neighborhood, or nation wrought together can be a powerful force against any foe.  Unity transcends all other issues, if you can unify any group for a cause, good or bad, the results can be miraculous or devastating, depending on the goal. 

Unfortunately for humanity, one act of discord separated us from God. Because of trickery and delusions of grandeur, we became subjected to evil. It is still like this today; we allow trickery and delusions of grandeur to take us from the Spirit of God, forgetting that, only with communion or common union with God can our lives be blessed. The most remarkable story of unity in the Bible came after the ascension of Jesus. It occurred, on the day of Pentecost, after the disciples replaced Judas Iscariot with Matthias and were 12 in number again. In one accord and in one vision, they were visited by the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus. In their unity they were granted the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, allowing all that gathered within hearing distance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their own native language.  

Today, it is not that difficult for people to understand the concept of unity; it is why we clan, gang, club, fraternize, commune, and sect. Even in our separation we attempt to unify, reconstituting all of our individual preferences as close to one accord as possible.

When in prayer, the Bible says, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there  Am I in the midst of them.” 
It is true, you can pray by yourself; but, just imagine how significant the prayer would be if your whole family was praying together, or your friends, or your colleagues, or your city, or your nation, or this world; all in one accord, in one purpose, as one mind, calling out for an act of God. The action of unity is God’s purpose for your life, stop waiting for others; it could be that the unifying factor is you.  Isn't it time to join God in unity?   L.

Study Reference: Acts 1:1-26 & Acts 2:1-21  
From; "The Power of Unity." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

 "And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.  And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”        1 Samuel 17:32-33


The story of David’s conquest of Goliath is probably one of the most famous stories in the Bible.  It would be easy to examine David’s conquering of Goliath as a metaphor for whatever battles you might be facing, however, let’s look at something else.  

Although as children we believed David was about 12 or 13 years old when he met Goliath, it is much more probable that he was in his late teens to mid-twenties. As the youngest of eight boys, we can imagine he was a little rambunctious, with that wonderful agility young men get from working outdoors—strong, sinewy, and muscular. His responsibility of caring for his father’s sheep was probably a great way to keep him out of trouble while learning the responsibilities of a shepherd, a task not taken very lightly in tribal Israel. When Jesse, David’s father, asked him to take provisions to his older brothers who had been perched atop a mountain for forty days prepped for war against the Philistines; chances are, he had no idea David was planning to stay! After all, he was not even dressed for battle!  

Let’s recap the story for those who don’t remember the details.  After hearing David’s bravado while speaking with his brothers and the other soldiers, Saul’s soldiers, recounting David’s bravery, take David to the King. By this time, King Saul had already lost God’s favor due to disobedience; and, unbeknownst to Saul, Samuel the Prophet had already anointed David to be the next King of Israel.  While speaking to King Saul, David repeats the same level of bravado he used while speaking to the soldiers.  Out of options, and as fearful as the rest of his army, King Saul, a massive man, offers David his own oversized attire to fight Goliath.  David sheds Saul’s attire, and straps on his own unique armament, a slingshot and 5 smooth stones, as his weapons of choice. 

Think about this. Did Saul really expect for David to return undefeated? No. He actually sent him out there to die. Saul was simply trying to buy time, or even worse—surrender!  He had no idea that God’s favor was with David.
We can imagine David tending sheep, wondering when he was going to get the chance to join his brothers on the field of battle, daydreaming of a time when he could show the Philistines, and all the enemies of God, God’s strength. 

There are going to be times in your life when you too will be thrust into battle, simply to buy time for someone else who, running out of options, has no idea what else to do!  You will be called to step into the gap; and, they will try to give you their armaments to fight, but theirs will not be a custom fit for you.  At that time, and on that day, they will have no idea that God is using them to help you step into your destiny.  And, like King Saul, they will have absolutely no clue that your time has come!  The question is -will you be ready?  L. 

Study Reference: 1 Samuel 17:1-58, 18:6-15 
From: "Will You Be Ready?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Matthew Henry; StockSnap

​  “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 
 
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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

​"...Then said He unto His Disciples, The Harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His Harvest.”      
Matthew 9:37-38 


While reading Malcolm Gladwell’s New York Times  bestseller, The Tipping Point, I came across a line I found fascinating. It is a relatively simple premise; a theory in economics called the 80/20 Principle. The short version is, within any group, the key word being any, “80 percent of the work will be done by 20 percent of the participants.”  Stop and take a moment to think about it. Gladwell writes: 

“In most societies, 20 percent of criminals commit 80% of crimes. 20 percent of motorists cause 80% of all accidents. 20 percent of beer drinkers drink 80% of all beer.” He further states, “When it comes to epidemics, this disproportionality becomes even more extreme; a tiny percentage of people do the majority of the work.”   

This simply means that if we are referring to HIV, STDs, the flu, or any other virus, the 20 percent rule is much lower; it’s closer to 6%.  So, 6% of the group will infect 94 percent of the group if the virus is not isolated and/ or treated within a given time period. 

After reading this, I began thinking of other areas where this principle could be seen. Currently in the United States there are approximately 300+ million people.  Approximately 45% of our population—135 million people, are Christian; this includes all denominations.  Yet, Christians have enormous influence in the U.S. Our influence encourages or discourages other voters in selecting their regional and national leaders.  In an effort to honor Puritan values on sobriety, regional “Blue Laws” are enforced on non-Christians weekly; and, whether we see its remnants or not, the Ten Commandments is still the basis for our judicial system.  So, this leads me to think about prayer. If the 80/20 principle works on a whole in economics and is essentially flawless when referring to an epidemic, why shouldn’t it work in God’s economy?  -Why shouldn’t it work for prayer in your church?  

The original principle came directly from our Bible to begin with. Although God’s effecting percentage is much smaller and covers a much larger group.  The Bible says:

“And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; and I will rid evil beast out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land…And 5 (5%) of you shall chase a hundred; and a hundred (1%) of you shall put ten thousand to flight; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.”  (Leviticus 26:6, 8)

So, here’s the question of the day.  Is 20% of your church praying for the other 80% of your group?  Who is praying for your family?  Who covers your building? What about your block? Your city? Your state? Your country? This planet?  Our universe?  

In Matthew 9:36-38, Jesus, looking at the multitude remarked how large the harvest was, and how few laborers there were. If forty-five percent of those in our nation are confessed Christians, there should be no grumbling about the state of this world. In God’s economy where 2 or 3 gathered in His Name can enact change, 135 million people can surely pray to change the heartfelt desperation of 6 to 7 billion lives.   L.  

Study Reference: Matthew 9:36-38  
From: "The 80/20 Principle." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​Photo credit: Justin Dingwall

“Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak...”  
Psalm 6:2-a


In today’s culture we tend to honor strength in the mind and body, it is how we determine whether we are fit for a particular task or not. To most of us, weakness is seen as a flaw; and yet, it is in our weakness and often at our breaking point that the Holy Spirit shows up to instill His Strength. 

This last minute rescue is a confirmation of the verse found in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Jesus says, “My Grace is sufficient for thee; for My Strength is made Perfect in weakness!”  It is where you say, "Help me Lord Jesus.  Have Mercy on me, O Lord, ...I am weak.  -I cannot fight this battle one more minute, of one more day!  -I have done everything I know how to do.  -You, Oh Lord, are The Power and The Way. I give the reins of this problem to You.  -Not my will, but Your Will be done!  Amen."   Then, let it go!

When we have finally run out of options, our reliance on God tends to be greater, allowing Him to use His Strength to intercede, overpowering our weakness. So today, if you are feeling low, burdened, or weak, all you need to say is, "Have mercy on me, O Lord ...I am weak..."  L.

*Now, it’s your turn to write down your own thoughts in your journal regarding today’s verse.

Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Psalm 6:2
From: “Your Thoughts: Our Power Reserve.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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​“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”     Mark 16:15


Sometimes we need to take the time to truly understand what some refer to as a "religious spirit." For many, it refers to what can sometimes be the stodgy rules of modern religion extracted from our Puritan ancestors. A series of rules and regulations that inhibit a religious community from meeting the unsaved where they are: the dance halls, bars, gambling dens, streets, work, etc.

It's true, some of us cannot go back into some of those places because our own walk with God might be a little shaky; and, we just may find ourselves reverting to the old habits we left behind. So understandably, not everyone is an ideal fit for this type of ministry. However, we have to remember, Jesus shattered the imaginary wall between saints vs. sinners by purposely disobeying the rabbinical laws and traditions of His time.

So today, pray for the opportunity to speak to someone about Jesus; not as a preacher, but as a witness, not in piousness, but in love. Remember, your specific life experience and testimony may be exactly what someone needs to hear for them to walk away from the life they're in, to the eternal life they need. L.

Study Reference: Mark 16:15-16, 20
From: "A Religious Spirit." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo credit: Jungle Jew

​“For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”  
​Galatians 5:14


It has been said that we are separated by "six degrees of separation." Which means that most of us can find any person in the world, without knowing them, by connecting with six other people or less. When we add in the connectivity of the Internet and all the social media websites, any computer-literate person can peck a few strokes of a keyboard to connect with just about anyone.

Although the "six-degrees" concept has been proven many times, the truth is, if we really understood this concept, we would never waste any of our interactions with others. 
Think about it for a moment; an average person can connect with any person in the world without personally knowing them. This means that, no person on earth is impossible to meet or influence concerning the Word of God.

Hmmm,... –It appears that God gave us an embedded GPS microchip coded directly into our DNA to find, teach, love, or influence one another. So, the next time you interact with someone, know that your interaction will be magnified 6 degrees out into the world, and has the potential to possibly return 6 degrees back to you! 

Today, why not live in the moment, recognizing that every human interaction that you have today, has the absolute potential to eventually change the world, and /or someone's life, –even yours. L.

Study Reference: Galatians 5:14
Excerpt from: "Six Degrees of Separation." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Pixabay

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“The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband, for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband, in that said thou truly... The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men, Come, see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did; is not this The Christ?”     
John 4:17-18, 28-29




​We need at least one person in our life that will tell us the truth, no matter what the circumstance. It is always worth listening to, although sometimes, it can be difficult to hear. The truth allows us to make the necessary adjustments in our lives to get us back on track. And, while it is easier to be with someone who continuously tells you what you prefer to hear, it will not allow you to grow to the optimum level you were destined to reach.

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman-at-the-well, He told her intimate details about her life; details that were known only to her and the men she had been intimately involved with. He lovingly told her that her insatiable desire to be with several different men came from a much deeper yearning for God’s Love.  A Love so intensely complete, it lasts forever. Outwardly, she happily went through her daily routine, secretly knowing there was an unfulfilled void in her life. When Jesus revealed the scattered details of her life, she immediately recognized her hidden desire and lack of fulfillment. Yet, it is interesting that she did not deny the truth about her life, she accepted the criticism of her past, and with it, the opportunity to change her future. In accepting what Jesus offered, she became so completely fulfilled by the Love of God, she left her pitcher and immediately went into the city to tell any and everyone about her encounter.

Find the truth in the criticism of others; sometimes, it may be just the wake-up call you need to foster a reaction, course alteration, or serious contemplation. Dismiss the criticism said in anger; because, although there may be truth in it, it will be difficult for you to see through all the inherent drama of the circumstance. If there is no one in your midst whom you can trust to honestly tell you the truth concerning a given situation, then tell your story to a perfect stranger. At least then, you will know that the person has no vested interest, is completely indifferent, and could probably care less about how you feel after they tell you the truth.  Not to mention, there is a really good chance that God will allow them to tell you exactly what you need to hear; since, you may have already decided, not to listen to Him.

The Samaritan woman-at-the-well made a conscious decision to accept the truth in the criticism she received. The Love of God freed her from concealing the weaknesses of her past, and empowered her to expose the power of her future!  Become what the Love of God has empowered you to be!  L.

Study Reference: John 4:17-18, 28-29 
From:"The Best Critic." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Sharpiron
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"....[I am] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [I am] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”      2 Corinthians 4:8-9


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

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

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

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

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

"And he said, Hearken ye, all... Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you,... fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them; for the LORD will be with you.”    2 Chronicles 20:15, 17


Sometimes, being a Christian is seen as a weakness —a lack of strength to fight back when someone is desperately trying to destroy you.  Somehow you think to yourself, "Why are they trying to destroy me? They can't know that I am a Christian, a beloved child of the Most High God!"   —Ah, but they can!  If you are particular about what you do, what you say, how you act, and whom you select as friends, they know. If your spirit emits love and compassion to others when it is least expected; then, they are watching you when you least expect it!  And, if by profession of faith, you have chosen to follow the principles of Jesus when no one is looking, then they  will continue to watch you when you are not looking.  

"It is not my battle, but the Lord's;"  should be your personal mantra when you feel under siege by others in your surroundings.  Then, you should nonchalantly move on, offering up your battle to the Lord. Do not buckle, do not waver!  Bravely wave your banner high!

So, when you feel totally persecuted, go about your merry business and conduct yourself with the valor and integrity that belongs to a child of the Most High God. Remember, it is their job to watch you, to catch your mistakes and missteps —to take you off your game!  It is your responsibility to allow God to prove He is good all the time! Do what you are supposed to do.  STAND firm in your integrity and honor God in all you do.  Let them do what they do.
—Eventually, they will find out that, "Their arms are too short to box with God!" —Hallelujah!  L.

Study Reference: 2 Chronicles 20:15-25 
From: "Arms Too Short to Box With God."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
*Original Title, James Weldon Johnson
photo: Arches National Park, Utah, pinterest

"Then spoke Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and He said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.”   Joshua 10:12-14
 
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The book of Joshua can be viewed as a modern-day metaphor for the types of trials we encounter where Christians need to prepare for personal battles.  This is primarily true because, many of its stories and battles take place in the desert.  Within its pages, readers are taught how to fight in a desert experience while maintaining deep faith.  The thing is, a desert experience takes more than preparation, and it takes more than bodily strength; it is the type of experience that requires total dependence on God. Why?  Because, in the desert, we can never predict or prepare enough water (faith), to quench the deep thirst (spiritual dependence), caused by the burning sun (conflict); we simply just never know how hot it is going to be or how our body will react to the pelting heat of the sun. 

The three verses found above are the fulfillment of a promise God made to Joshua while in the midst of fighting yet another desert battle.  In this passage, Joshua asks God to hold back the sun from going down and the moon from rising, so his army could annihilate Gibeon’s enemies without violating the Sabbath. 

While I read the surrounding paragraphs, all I could think about was this. If God could hold back the sun and the moon from a full orbit for one whole day, what problem could I possibly have that He cannot solve?  When we look more closely, we have to believe, it is our lack of faith that inhibits the release of His solutions to our problems.  We are the ones who inhibit God's solutions!  If we exhibit extraordinary faith—faith beyond that which we normally consider natural; then, metaphorically speaking, the sun and the moon can be held back from their orbit. 

Like all tribulations in our lives, our Faith will be tested to the extreme; since, it is only in the extreme tests that we are able to exhibit the kind of extraordinary Faith, which enables God to literally stop the sun and the moon from moving.   L.  

Study Reference: Joshua 10:6-14  
From: "The Day The Sun Stood Still." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo: unknown ​

   "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat... for He grants sleep to those He loves."
Psalm 127:2 (NIV)


Are you sleeping well?  Did you have a good night sleep?  
Did you know that having peaceful sleep is a Blessing? Peaceful sleep means that you have taken care of what you can; and, you have relinquished the daily issues and cares of this world to the only One who can dissolve your fears —God.  However, for those of you who are struggling with peaceful slumber, here’s a thought:

Turn off the television. 
The television, with its loud commercials, bad news, and concurrent episodes of murder, mayhem, and the mundane, penetrate your psyche and change the natural cycle of your dreams.  Advertising executives originally developed television commercials to foster action, creating desire for their product, and the anxiety to purchase.
—None of which you will be doing in your sleep. 

Turn off the music. 
The music, even if it is your favorite song, actually does the same thing as the television commercials. However, they stimulate your senses a little differently.  Since the music is your favorite music, the songs trigger a more overt 
emotional reaction by prompting memories to the surface, not allowing your brain to rest or relax. This is why the best commercials are set to music. They correlate a product to a favorite memory increasing the anxiety to purchase. Again, no need to count sheep. —Just turn it off. 

Turn off the lights. 
Turning off the lights tells your brain you are ready to sleep. It allows your body to wind down, limiting external stimuli to your eyes and skin. It is one of the reasons we get so tired during the winter months; we do not receive enough light stimulation from the sun. Days are shorter, we are tired earlier.
So, close the drapes, and flip the switch.

Say your prayers. 
Saying your prayers at bedtime is not just for children; and, it is not, “Now I lay me down to sleep...”  Saying your prayers upon retiring signifies that you are relinquishing all your daily cares to God, acknowledging His blessings and sovereignty in your life. It is courageously accepting those things that you can change, and enduring those things you cannot.  Ask God's blessing for yourself, and those you love; ask for forgiveness for whatever you believe you have done against Him, yourself, and your fellow man. Then, close your eyes to the world and leave the rest to God. The Bible says, "...He offers sleep to those He loves."  So, to you, —Sweet dreams and peaceful slumber.  L.

Study Reference: Psalms 127:2
From:"Peaceful Slumber." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: esty


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"...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

​"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.”    1 Corinthians 7:23-24


Imagine being at the tribunal that would eventually lead to the fulfillment of Jesus' death at Calvary.  Although Jesus responded only a few times, He truly had the opportunity and strength to defend Himself against the accounts of the Sanhedrin. Instead, He accepted their accusations without a fight, understanding that His sacrifice would ultimately save the human race. 

Eventually, as a Christian, you will have to make a sacrifice that will benefit others without an apparent benefit to yourself; you may have even done so already. However, there’s one small caveat. Unlike Jesus, your sacrifice may lead you to some type of resentment against your fellow Christians, or even, the church itself. You may even believe you did not receive your price for the sacrifice, i.e. recognition, position, accolades, fanfare, love, etc. 

It is so easy for the human ego to get caught up in the pomp and circumstance of Christian churches, where we eagerly desire to become part of the hierarchy.  Resist the urge.  Somehow, desperately keep in mind that any sacrifice you make is not for you; and, it’s not really for others; it is for God. We can never repay the sacrifice of Jesus. Our worship is not enough, our praise is not enough, and what we believe to be our sacrifice is not enough. Our life and love is the only thing we can offer; it is the only thing that counts. 

To really understand our sacrifice fully, think about this; has a child you loved ever given you a homemade gift?  Do you remember your reaction? Did you display it with pride and satisfaction?  Now, could that gift really equal any of the gifts you have given to that child?  -No.   Your love sees the sacrifice, time, and love that the child has put into the gift.  Our gifts, sacrifices, worship, and praise is like that to God. Know that God loves you already, and anything you bring to Him is accepted with Love. So beloved, do not wait for your sacrifice to garner recognition, position, accolades, fanfare, love, etc. from others; know that you already have it from God. -L.

Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 
From: "Sacrificial Deeds." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Soe Zeya Tun​

​“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.“    
Psalm 18:3 a


When is God worthy to be praised?

There are some people who will only praise God when they are in church. And, there are others who will only sing the songs found in their hymnal. However, praise is personal; often, our songs are our heartfelt prayers set to music.  Whether we are happy or sad, or full of joy or sorrow, the songs we sing are our way of calling out for God’s mercy and goodness.  It is our soul’s poetry to Him and it can be completely random and made up as we go. So remember, when you call on God you do not have to be eloquent, on key, in unison, or even audible; your song simply has to be a song that encompasses your heartfelt love and honest praise. 
So today, lift your voice, sing your song, and Praise His Name!  L.  
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**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.

Study Reference: Psalm 18:3
From: "Praise" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"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 ​