“And Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.  And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment. For she said within herself, “If I may but touch His garment, I shall be made whole.” But Jesus turned Himself about, and when He saw her He said, “Daughter be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.”  Matthew 9:19-22
 

There comes a time in everyone’s life when change is the optimum word; it is the only word worthy of reference in a life filled with regrets.  We know it the moment it occurs.  It is a pivotal moment in time where, the only thing you know for sure is that, everything in your life needs to change in order for you to feel as if your life is expressing God’s desire for wholeness. 

For some people, it will be the move from fame to obscurity.  For others, it will be from obscurity to fame. There will be those among you who will scream—to the country!  And, there will be those who will balk at the idea of seeing yet another tree in their midst.  It doesn’t matter what it is; at some point we will need change to offset that numb feeling so many of us experience at various points in our lives. To be truthful, many times it begins at home, on the job, or in a relationship. There seems to be a spiritual catalyst that propels us forward to the point where our X and Y axis meet; it determines whether we continue going on a specific path to the future, or make a U-turn at the next crossroad ahead.  Either way, change is imminent. 
To be certain, the catalyst that determines your change will be different than the factor that determines change for the next person.  It can be radical change; the type that places you in direct opposition to the life you are currently experiencing. Or, it can be the kind of change that simplifies your life so that you can experience the beauty in and around you.  It’s as if we espy an epic glimpse into our own future, where after viewing it, we simply say “No! This is not the life I want!”

We can imagine that after living with an endless menstrual cycle for twelve years, the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9:19-22, was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.  For the women reading this, we have a unique insight into this issue; five days is already much too long, so imagine 12 years of non-stop bleeding.  As for the men, imagine how emotionally edgy women become during their five day cycle; now, imagine 12 years. This woman was ready for a change!   -And, we can imagine that the people who loved her, needed a change too!  But, stepping out on faith is no easy task; it takes perseverance and stamina.   And to be certain, in her story, the Bible indicates exactly what kind of perseverance and stamina we need. 
At a time when women were considered non-citizens, she would have had to stay behind the men and boys pressing forward to see Jesus first.  And, in her effort to meet Jesus, we can imagine her in the crowd, waiting to see even a glimpse of Jesus while grappling with others within the multitude also needing to be healed. Like so many dreams, she is pushed aside, moved to the back, and shoved out of the way. -Yet change is nearby; close enough to see, but not close enough to touch. 

There is some historical reference modern-day readers must acknowledge.  Priests were not supposed to go near the sick, dying, or dead; it defiled their anointing. The elite rarely interacted with the poor, sickly, or diseased, unless it was a member of their family; and The Poor, -well...they had their own issues.  As part of the law, the chronically ill were to isolate themselves from the healthy. And, keeping sickly and diseased people isolated at a time when they needed others the most was easy; no one wanted them around.  So, we can imagine, it is with some trepidation that this woman ventures into the crowd to begin with; not wanting to touch anyone in the crowd lest she be ridiculed, but needing a radical change. 

In Luke 8:42, the Bible says, she spent all her money on others who could not heal her. With free help a touch away, all she had to do was release her fears and simply reach out to God to change her life. You know the rest of the story; her faith in Jesus to enact change in her life, radically changes her life, allowing her 12 year old dream of being healed to finally come true.  -What’s your story?  Will you allow your life to stay buried because of fear?  Will you allow fear to inhibit the plan God has for your life?  Or, will you embrace Jesus, the X-factor; and step out into wholeness with God as your guide?   L.

Study Reference: Matthew 9:19-22, Luke 9:42-48
From: "There Comes A Time."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"...While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, “Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house.  And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.”  Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,  And said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!”   Job 1:18-21

 
The first time I read the book of Job in the Bible, I was in shock, literally.  It was one of those instances where I felt particularly ambitious about reading yet another book of the Bible, and somewhere in my memory, I recalled the seniors referring to Job.  If you grew up around your Grandmother’s friends or other senior adults, you may have heard them say at one time or another, “Lord, you got to have the patience of Job to deal with these kids!” 
I remembered this phrase as I was trying to make my decision, so my curiosity about Job made the selection easy.  I began reading page after page; Shock!  Incident after incident; Shock!  If I were reading a disaster novel, it could not have been any more disastrous!  When Job’s wife said, “Do you still retain your integrity? —Curse God and die!” I was stunned!  I had to keep going back to the beginning of the story where God describes Job as “perfect and upright” to confirm that God did not actually hate him.  By the time I finished the book, I simply stared at my closed Bible thinking, “If this is what God does to those that are upright and blameless, what about the rest of us! —We don’t stand a chance!”  I had tons of questions. Over the years, these are some of the principles I have learned after reading the book of Job several times:

•     God knows your heart and how much your spirit is able to endure.
•     Although Satan walks to and fro on the earth, even he honors the will of God.
•     Nothing happens in our life that God is not aware of, cannot stop, and cannot restore.
•     Faith, full and patient, is the only way to make it through any hurdles you may be experiencing.
•     The person you select/ accept as your spouse must love, trust, and have some level of unwavering faith in you.
•     Even if your friends really care about you, they are not always right.
•     And finally, if you are a friend and you offer advice, make certain your advice falls within the will of God; if not, you will be held accountable and will have to make restitution to God.

When you read the book of Job you may find other concepts. I am certain if I reread it today, I would discover new principles I missed previously. I must admit, Job is still not my favorite book of the Bible, however because of his endurance we have a remarkably graphic example of what it means to extend our faith in God, no matter what happens in our life.  L.  

Study Reference: Job 1:1-22, 42:1-17 
​ From: "The Book of Job."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Corey Arnold

“Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favor, and Thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.”  
Job 10:11-12


The Book of Job truly brings mixed emotions for most of us.  There are several texts taken from Job in In The Master's Hands.  I remember the first time I read the book of Job; I could not fathom why God would allow such a devoted man to go through so much devastation. If you haven't read this book of the Bible as yet, I suggest you do. It will help you every time you go through the valley of adversity.

The story begins with Lucifer presenting himself before God, with that famous line where God asks, “Whence comest thou?”  And Lucifer responds, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”   Then God does the unimaginable to most humans, He offers His most perfect and dedicated servant; a man named Job, from the land of Uz, as an example for Lucifer to examine.  Lucifer taunts God by suggesting that the only reason people worship Him is because He continually blesses us, all while maintaining a hedge of protection around us. So, God allowed all manner of evil to enter into Job’s life, short of his death.

Lucifer holds nothing back, unleashing every wicked disaster that could possibly enter into a man’s life. He wipes out Job’s family, income, and fortune. When that does not turn Job against God, God allows Lucifer to destroy his health, which finally turns his wife against him. Over the years, I have learned to understand the deeper meanings within the book of Job. (We will uncover some of the deeper meanings in another daily)

Consider reading the book of Job; it is an entire book devoted to encouraging Christians in understanding that nothing occurs in our lives without the permission of God. So, no matter what you are going through, know that God is still in control. No matter how deep your valley of adversity, stand up and praise His name, because if He allowed it, He certainly can fix it!   L.

Study Reference: Job 1:1-22, 2:1-7 
Excerpt from: "Consider Job." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

“For Thou will Light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.”   Psalm 18:28


It is astounding how one small candle can so easily permeate complete darkness, while radiantly revealing anything within the path of its rays. The Light not only sets you aglow, it highlights every item within the room. The closer any item is to the Light, the more radiant it appears.

There is a wonderful story, from an anonymous author, that I received via email about a man who decided that he really did not want to return to church any longer. When the Pastor of his church stopped by for a visit, the man answered the door, greeted the Pastor, and invited him in. Both men sat in separate recliners, in front of a blazing fire in the man’s den, neither saying a word. Words were unnecessary; both men knew why the Pastor was there.

As they were silently watching the fire, one of the hot coals fell out of the blazing fire onto the hearth surrounding the fireplace. Both men silently watched the single coal as it sat by itself on the ground, its blazing light getting dimmer and dimmer until it was close to black. The Pastor slowly got up from his chair, leaned down, picked up the coal, placed the coal back into the fire, and silently sat back down. Both men watched as the corners of the little coal slowly lit until it became blazing hot. After a few minutes of watching the transformation of the coal, the Pastor said, “It’s time I got going.” Both men arose and went to the door.
“-So, I will see you on Sabbath?” The Pastor asked, turning to look at the man. His question posed more like a statement in a questioning tone than an actual question. “Oh yes, Pastor!”  The man answered jubilantly, “I will see you on Sabbath!”

As we commune within the body of Christ, we share in the Light of God, radiating His essence within the body and unto the world. Each Believer is a tiny spark of God’s Light in this world. Yet, sparks have a way of fizzling out. So, we must maintain a concerted effort to strengthen our connection. The closer we are to the source of all Light, God, the more illuminating we will be to the world.
The question today is, “Are you sharing your Light; or, like the little coal, has your Light dimmed?”  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 18:28, Ephesians 5:13-14 
From: "Staying Lit." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

​“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a Man with him until the breaking of the day. And when He saw that He prevailed not against him, He touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with Him. And He said; Let Me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. And He said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And He said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed... And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel; for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”   Genesis 32:24-28, 30


We often rely on the company and companionship of others because, we are all social beings; and, it offers a sense of belonging to someone other than ourselves. In fact, there are not a lot of people who actually prefer being alone, at least not for long periods of time. Yet, solitude can bring a sense of reflection; and reflection can bring a sense of enlightenment; and enlightenment can bring a sense of purpose; and, a sense of purpose can lead to purposeful action, —the kind of action that ultimately leads to a definitive result. 

In most instances, solitude will allow you to concentrate on those things God needs for you to learn, one lesson at a time. —Think of it as, God’s Independent Study Class. 
Like any class, you will need to bring your past experiences and complete the prerequisites in order to attend. And, like any independent study class, you will need to do the in-depth research —introspection and final prep work on your own. In addition, only if you receive a passing grade will you advance to higher-level classes with greater challenges. However, in God’s Independent Study Class, just when you thought it was time for you to graduate, you find that new classes have been added to your curriculum. 

Every person should have a time to reflect in solitude. A time set aside to commune alone with God, not simply for answers, but also for direction. There are personal revelations that will only occur when you are alone—insights into your personal life which will not occur when you are communing with others. These revelations are part of your personal growth and must be faced alone. Jacob learned this lesson when he took God’s Independent Study Class while planning to reconcile with his brother Esau. During his class, he grappled so long and hard with God for a passing grade that, God changed his name! 

Why not take the time to enroll in God's Independent Study Class? Why not spend some time in solitude so that God can give you the direction that you need to complete His Life Class? Chances are, you will learn far more than you possibly ever imagined.  L.  

Study Reference: Galatians 6:5, Genesis 32:22-30
From:"Finding Solitude." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Night Sky, pixabay

“Then said He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here, and watch with Me. And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt. And He cometh unto the disciples, and finding them asleep, said unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:38-41
 

People who encourage others are effortlessly recognizable; they are usually the ones who others easily rally around.  Their presence and personality is infectious; simply being around them moves you to action.  Sometimes, they can be creative, daring, spontaneous; and, at other times, pensive and practical.  Nonetheless, there is always someone with this trait a dial tone away.  This person may be you, or someone close to you.  Let’s call them “The Encouragers.” Not everyone has an encouraging personality. There are those who do not encourage anyone, not even themselves; and, when they do take the time to encourage others to take a leap, it is from a 25th floor windowsill!  I recently gave someone an analogy using blood types in referring to “The Encouragers." 

“What is your blood type?”  I asked.  “I believe it’s Type-O.”   He said. “Perfect!” I said.  “Someone with Type-O blood is a universal donor; you can give blood to anyone to keep him or her alive on a battlefield; however, you cannot receive blood from anyone other than another Type-O donor. Receiving blood from a donor other than a type-O donor will result in your death.  It would be more advantageous for doctors to infuse coconut water into your veins to keep you alive, than to take blood from one of those other blood types!”  The same thing goes for an “Encourager;” he or she can easily encourage others, all those A, B, AB, and even O types that need encouraging on a reoccurring basis.  However, only another “Encourager” can give an “Encourager” encouragement; because, the ordinary rah-rah-rah speech will not work on them.

There are times when an encourager needs complete recharging, and only a real Diehard Encourager will do.  The Bible is full of those who offered encouragement to its heroes and heroines, i.e., Ruth and Naomi; Moses and Joshua; Esther and Mordecai; David and Jonathan, etc.
Yet, even Jesus, the most powerful Encourager of all, needed encouragement while He was in the Garden of Gethsemane.  His family was not around; and, His key disciples kept falling asleep.  He could not turn to anyone but His Father in Heaven.  

 If you have an Encourager in your life, take the time to contact him or her today.  Thank them for helping you to  persevere through all those occasions where you truly felt like faltering.  If you are an Encourager, don’t forget to take the time today to  pray for yourself. It will allow you to recharge your "battery"  using a direct connection to our heavenly Father.  Remember, a recharged battery, is the only way for you to continue helping those who need you. And, more importantly, it will boost your energy, stamina, and faith to encourage others for yet another day!  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 26:36-46 
From:"The Encouragers." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: Google images

“...When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken... And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shall catch men.”    Luke 5:8-10


In an effort to keep our private lives private, pride stops us from sharing with others how God brought us through the fires in our own lives.  If we can't share our testimonies with others, why should they believe what we say about God?   How will they know that God can come through for them, if they cannot hear His testimony through us?

One day you will be prompted to share your private fires to help someone else understand God’s presence in their life.  If you are truthful, others will know that some fires do not end without casualty.  In some of those cases, you were burned.  In others, the embers were just starting to cling to your shirttail.  While, in some others you were able to make your escape unscathed. Either way, these fires are lessons we must learn to be able to grow into the kind of people God needs for us to become.

The Bible says, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shall catch men.”  The question is, when the time comes to share your testimony, will you hold on to your pride; or, will you be a testifying eyewitness for God?  L.

Study Reference: Luke 5:8-10
From:"Eyewitness Testimony." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Richard Heathcote 

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” 
Matthew 10:16


Blink, The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, by Malcolm Gladwell is a fascinating book; and, Mr. Gladwell is easily becoming one of my favorite authors. In Blink, he outlines the many ways we subconsciously absorb information without really thinking about it; and, further delves into how our subconscious perceptions undermine our conscious perceptions without us really "knowing" it, shaping our personalities, actions, habits, likes, dislikes, etc. 

As I read the book, the thought occurred to me how important it was to streamline the things (i.e. movies, news, books, music, and other forms of entertainment) we constantly ingest so we are not inclined to do things that go against our moral resolve. According to the book, a grouping of words or images with key connections, can penetrate our subconscious and manipulate us into doing something, without complete awareness of why we are doing it.  From a marketing perspective, I know this is true; we call it advertising, or more precise, subliminal advertising.
I interrupt young people all the time, especially young men, if I hear them rapping the illicit lyrics of a song, certain that they are consciously unaware of the words they are reiterating. In many instances they tell me that they simply love the "beat" of the song, not really paying attention to the lyrics. However, I often explain to them that, what they do not know is that the lyrics sit in their subconscious mind manipulating them to act in ways that may go against their conscious behavior. 

As Christians we are not immune to subliminal advertising, we respond exactly the same way as non-Christians. The difference is, we consciously read, listen, and strengthen our moral character by embracing biblical principles. However, we are part of society, and everything is secular—everything is cultural. I am not saying that in order to love God, we should sit idling in a monastery or convent; no, our eyes should be wide open. I believe you should be aware of the traits of society and culture, so that it does not become a lure or trap for you. Becoming an ostrich with your head buried in the sand does not make you immune—it makes you prey.  Jesus deeply understood this when He said, “…be as wise as a serpent, and as harmless as a dove.”  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 10:16 
From:"The Power to Blink."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Masks by Alexander Khokhlov

“Then said Jesus to them again, “Peace be unto you; as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.”  
John 20:21


In Luke 24:33-36, the Bible says, “And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, "Peace be unto you.”

Jesus said to His disciples after rising on the third day, "Peace be unto you."  I don't believe I ever truly understood the concept of "Peace be unto you," until I reread this story offered in both books of Luke and John.  When we read this story, we find the disciples talking about Jesus and the things He told them during His time with them, pretty much the same way friends sit around today, speaking about someone they loved, after the person has passed away.
As they were speaking, Jesus stood in the midst of them listening. When He made His presence known, He said, "Peace be unto you."   Customarily, people in this region of the world still greet each other today with this statement; however, He could have said a lot of things, why that statement? 

Think about peace for a moment. Not world peace, although that would be great, considering there are about 50+ wars occurring at any given time on our planet; but, inner peace—peace of mind. The feeling you get when your mind is completely at ease.  For some of us, our mind is always in turmoil, no peace.  For others, peace means being in the midst of another person, relying on their peace to get us through.  However, the peace  I am referring to is an individual peace.  The kind you find when you close your eyes, and literally stop thinking about all the cares, troubles, and chaos of this world, allowing yourself the time to actually breathe in the Love of God. 

So today, in the midst of your chaotic life, take some time, even if it's only a few moments, to practice the art of peace.  The kind of peace where you relinquish every single, solitary, mind-wrenching care to God.  And, as Jesus said, “Peace be unto you.”  L.

Study Reference: John 20:19-26 
From:"The Blessing of Peace." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.”   Isaiah 54:10


The covenant that God has forged with humanity is not simply a contract. Any corporate lawyer will tell you all contracts can be broken; there is always a clause that has the plausibility of severance. A covenant, on the other hand, cannot be broken; there are no loop holes. It simply is what it says it is; and, each party must adhere to the binding agreement.

In our minds, a mountain stands resolute, absolutely stoic and unchallenged by any entity or element. So, when we consider a mountain, the very last thing that we would ever think about is that a mountain can move, disappear, or depart. So just imagine, the Bible says that, the beauty, strength and majesty of a mountain shall depart.–Be completely removed from the face of the earth, but God’s Love, Peace, Mercy, Forgiveness, and Favor will never leave YOU.

If for some reason you are going through something so dreadful that you believe you do not have anything to be truly thankful for, put your feelings aside and meditate on today’s verse. It will help you to find God’s Love in the midst of your issue.
And, for those of you who truly understand God’s Love in your life, even in the midst of your most arduous circumstances, May God’s Light continue to shine through you and for you. May the abundance of His Love find you and every member of your extended family.

Whether you have been reading In The Master’s Hands for one day or since the beginning, it is with sincere gratitude that I thank YOU for taking the time to read these words and for being a part of this journey.

Thank you once again, Happy Mother's Day to those who are celebrating this around the world, and Much Love. -L.

Study Reference: Isaiah 54:10-11
From: "Your Thoughts: Covenant" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: pixabay

 
"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 moveth 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. 
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