​     "And Abraham was ninety years and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.”   Genesis 17:24


Have you ever thought it was too late for something miraculous to happen to you? Or, it was too late for an extraordinary transformation in your life? Maybe you believe you are too old to go back to school; or, too old to have the children you always wanted; or, too old to get married, or remarried. Maybe you are out of shape, and not as healthy as you may have liked. Maybe you always wanted to see the rest of the world, but you stayed confined to your own backyard. Maybe you wanted to write a book, a play, or a script; produce a show, play an instrument, start a new career, or just change your lifestyle. 

It could be that you think your time has passed; now you have a family, children, and a mortgage. Maybe you are that person who truly hates your job, your home, or your surroundings. Maybe you simply want a change. Where can you start? Well, if you are like the “father of many nations,” Abraham, you could start with faith. 
The Bible says, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God…"

Abram was seventy-five years old when God told him he was due for a lifestyle change. God asked him to leave his homeland and his kinsmen to venture into a completely new territory. Armed with only his trust in God, and accompanied by his wife Sarai and his nephew, Lot, he boldly ventured into the unknown... So,...
​
...Don’t be afraid if God asks you to step out of your element. Don’t be ashamed of your age, gender, race, appearance, income, household, background, training, or anything else that can be used as an excuse. Know that whatsoever He has asked you to do will be to your life’s benefit. You will be covered, enriched, provided for, and protected. Simply remember, a heavenly covenant has already been established in your name. Take hold and have faith. L.
​

Study Reference: Genesis Chapters 12 through 17; Matthew 6:30-34
Excerpt from:"Never Too Late." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

    "Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy Paths.”     Psalm 25:4


Although God’s Path is perfect for us, it may not be as sexy or even as exciting as the alternative. Each day we make the choice to either follow God’s desire for our life or to follow our own.  The selection can be the result of our own tenaciousness to follow God; or, it can be the outcome of a failure to select wisely the first time around.  Either way, eventually we will learn that God’s Will, will be done.  Sometimes we select God’s Path simply because, we get so tired of selecting the wrong one so often that, we make the decision to go against our own natural inclination of selecting the wrong choice.  So, as a result, we end up asking ourselves WWJD –what would Jesus do? Just to keep ourselves on track, and going in the right direction.  
 
The Bible calls God’s Path, the narrow road; or, more poetically, "the road less traveled."  It is called this simply because, not everyone will make the decision to travel its path.  Unlike the winding detour-filled path of the wider road, the narrow road can appear straight with few, if any, detours.  At the beginning, when looking at the two roads, we can become bedazzled by all the twists and turns of the wider road; believing that, all the twists and turns will mean there is a world of excitement ahead. Young, silly, and confused, we often select the wider road. Although in hindsight, the distinctions between the two roads were easy to see.   

In the end, the choice will be yours to decide; will it be your way, or God’s Way?  If you are just starting out and trying to make a decision, this is a pretty straight forward question with very little camouflage.  
​–The answer will be determined, by just how battered  or blessed you want your life to be.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 25:4
From: Your Thoughts: “The Road Less Traveled.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Wordpress

“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

​"Jesus said unto him, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”      Matthew 22:37-40

 
Fulfilling our Purpose is a very specific phrase that causes us more anxiety than most other phrases.  Consider this; a tool that does not function is useless, no matter how beautiful it is. For example, a beautiful Mont Blanc pen, sleek as it may be, is useless if it cannot write. An impressive Henckel or Wusthof  knife is wonderful, unless it is dull and cannot cut. A gorgeous Patek Philippe precision timepiece, although quite expensive, is worthless in functionality if it does not tell time. The definition of a tool is, a specific device to aid an activity. What is the innate definition of a person—People—God’s Tool?  How about, specific entities to serve God and aid humanity? Ask yourself if you are serving God, and aiding humanity.  If you are not serving God or aiding humanity, —Well... 

If you want to find out what would fulfill your purpose, ask yourself this question, "What would bring me ultimate joy?"  When you reach a conclusion, ask yourself another question, “Then what?”  Keep asking the “Then What?” question until you cannot answer it anymore and you will find out your purpose. 

Many people believe money will fulfill their dreams; however, there are very wealthy people who commit suicide every year. There are others who believe having the love of a precise person will fulfill their dreams; only to find out that, they have entered a nightmare instead. And still, there are others who believe having the "bling" of cars, sprawling mansions, and luxury yachts, will fulfill the gaping hole that is a life away from God; only to find that they have become living curators of old relics.

So again, I ask the question, “What would bring you ultimate joy?”  Did you know that the “Then what?” question was asked to a host of people over the years, and what sociologists found out was that most people ultimately want internal peace and to help others.

Well,... this sounds a lot like serving God and aiding humanity to me.    L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 22:37-40  
From: "Fulfilling Your Purpose." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: isucceedbook

​   "And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. And he said
unto Him, if now I have found grace in Thy sight then show me a sign that Thou talkest with me.”     Judges 6:16-17


We often plead with God to answer our prayers; however, sometimes we do not recognize or accept when God responds. Many times we reduce His response to good fortune, luck, or coincidence.  In discussing a difficult assignment we were working on, one of my colleagues shared a story concerning God’s response to his prayer request for a “sign” to assure him the job he was praying for would come through.   

“You are right;” He said, “It is a blessing.  I actually found out I got this job on my birthday. You know, it’s a funny thing. I was out of work for 15 months, the longest I have ever been out of work in my life, and I was very depressed. One evening, while visiting a friend of mine who lives upstate, I was sitting on the deck quietly praying, asking God for a job. I asked Him for a sign; something that would let me know that He really heard my prayer. When I looked up at the sky, I saw a shooting star!  --I couldn't believe it!  I thought that I was seeing things, so I rubbed my eyes, and checked my glasses. When I looked up again, I saw another one, then another and another.  I couldn't believe it!  I called my girlfriend to tell her what had happened, and she told me that there was supposed to be a meteor shower that evening. As I told her the story, she said she thought it was a coincidence not a response from God; and, that I must have somehow known subconsciously that there was going to be a meteor shower that evening from the news. I explained that I didn't know there was going to be a meteor shower, and I hadn't even heard about it.  But she still didn't believe it was a response from God.  —​But I did!  It was too precise.  I had just finished asking for a sign, and there it was.  Then on November 18th, my birthday, I found out that I had gotten the job.” 

As he told the story, I thought about all the people who often pray about a circumstance or problem, yet somehow do not recognize the response when it occurs. It happens to all of us. We are reminded of this in the biblical story of Gideon, found in the Book of Judges, chapter six. Although, told by an angel that he is selected by God to lead Israel into battle against the Midianites and Amalekites, Gideon does not believe that he is the one God really wants. So, to gain confirmation of the angel’s message, he requests that the angel show him a sign.  When the sign occurs, he still does not believe he is the chosen one.  Believing instead that the sign was a coincidence, he requests yet another sign in the reverse order.  Throughout this story, although he is obedient to God, he is confused by his own fear, ultimately questioning almost every direction. 

Sometimes our doubts and fears get so far ahead of us that it becomes hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Yet the Light is always there. There are times when you may need a sign to encourage you in your quest; if so, ask. 
But remember, it was Jesus, in response to Didymus ‘Doubting’  Thomas’ unbelief who said, “Blessed are they who have not seen, yet have believed.”  —Because, sometimes we simply have to have faith in understanding that no matter what happens, God is working on our behalf.   L. 

Study Reference: Judges 6:1-40, John 20:27-29
From: "Show Me A Sign." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Dan Bush

 

​"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

      "...And they said one to another, Behold, the dreamer cometh.”        Genesis 37:19


I attempted to console a friend and neighbor about the prospect of losing her garden-view apartment, by explaining what I like to call, The Law of Receipt. It goes like this; let's say your arms are full of your own personal stuff.
—You know; all the personal stuff you've held on to over the years that really only have meaning to you and no one else. To you, the things in your arms are priceless and their value is purely intrinsic. Every time you look at them, memories come alive in your thoughts and you truly believe they are irreplaceable and priceless. However, these things weigh you down and keep your hands full. You can no longer create new memories because there is no place left to hold or store another thing. Your bills are way overdue, but you cannot "sell" anything because, as you said, your things are priceless. 

Now along comes that Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes guy with a $20 million check just for YOU!  —You know, that really big check that you must hold with both hands. However, your hands are full, holding on to stuff that you believe you can't let go of.  What will you do? --Tell him to put the check on the ground, you'll pick it up later? 
​—No! —That would be ridiculous!   You would drop that stuff, grab that check, and scream like a fire engine siren! 

Having vision is the same. The old vision that brought you to the present must die, before the new one that will take you into the future can begin. God's blessings evolve to meet your needs. In order to receive the richness of God's blessing you must drop all the "crap!" --Oops, I mean your personal “stuff,” with all that intrinsic value and open your hands. If your hands are closed, how can you receive anything in the palms of your hands? If your hands are completely full, how can you accept anything new?

This is the simple law of receipt and it carries over into all aspects of your life. In order to receive the richness and continuous evolution of God’s blessings in your life, you must release the old to receive the new. —It really is, just that simple.  L.

Study Reference: Genesis 37:5-6, 37:19-34, 39:1-6 
From: "The Law of Receipt." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock ​

     “I have seen travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.”   Ecclesiastes 3:10 


Meeting one of my neighbors in the elevator, a beautiful actress with a charming personality, we somehow began a conversation about perseverance. Although I hadn't seen her in a while, she was always gracious when we ran into each other. As we took the elevator together we began a short conversation about maintaining faith in the current economic climate. Given her profession, the motivation was being directed towards her rather than to me. And then, of course, the conversation turned to men. 

 I said, “When the economy is struggling it is much more difficult on men.  They have a harder time not linking their self-esteem to money and job security.  This makes it harder to date, and much more difficult to find the one who you may prefer to date.”  Then, she said something I truly considered profound.  

She said, “It may actually be better to date a guy who is having an issue finding work; it tells you more about their character and their ability to survive under fire.  It tells you more about what kind of person they really are, than if they have a job where they are doing fine.”  As we left the elevator to go our separate ways, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.  Not necessarily the dating part, but definitely the character and ability to survive under fire part.  

Today’s verse says God allows travail or hardship so men can be exercised or tested while under duress. Duress causes all types of issues to arise. It offers a clear indication whether the person is strong, patient, kind, moral, and sincere; all while maintaining integrity and a passionate ability to persevere when the chips are down.  Or, it can prove that they are less experienced and can only function when everything in their life is going as planned. -This information is truly relevant.  Why?  Because the chips are going to be down eventually. At some point during our life experience, things will not go as we planned.  It is simply the nature of being alive.  A man’s reaction to adversity will tell you more about him than when life is flowing smoothly as planned. 

I even had to reconsider the dating part; because, not having the financial resources to do extravagant things enables a couple to learn more about each other and not about what money can buy. It forces intimate conversations about dreams and plans, while adding candid discussions about financial issues.  Both sexes can learn a great deal about the other by not having the funds to do those things which can deter their focus from more serious issues. Struggling financially to make ends meet can definitely tell you a great deal about your potential mate and whether you want to commit or dismiss a future with him or her.  

Duress can reveal those key personality traits we really need to discover about each other before making a permanent commitment. Traits such as, deeply rooted anger, frustration, resentment, or even violence.  It can unmask our true character, bringing it out into the open.   Just as Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times, God has given us exercises in travail to shape the strength of our character. And, those same issues can reveal the character of a man or woman to determine whether he or she can become your life partner. Be wise in determining their true character in travail, it can mean the difference between having a lifelong lasting relationship, or having a lifelong lacking  relationship.  L.

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:10  
From:"Proof In Adversity" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: nova ​

 


















  "And knows His will, and approves the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness; an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teaches another, teaches thou not thyself?”         Romans 2:18-21


​
A formal mentorship is a type of training where both the student and the teacher have agreed to enter into a relationship of give and take. However, the truth is, every person is called to mentor and to be mentored throughout his or her life on a continuous basis.  At certain times, there will be those sent to you who can, and will, teach you to become a better person, parent, husband, employee, etc. And at other times you will be the person who will teach someone else to become a better person, worker, parent, husband, etc. 

We need to be able to pass on the intimately truthful lessons we have learned throughout our lives to help others overcome the obstacles placed in their way. The more you value your lessons, the more you want to help others by sharing them. Obviously, this also means lessons relating to your walk with God; and, those biblical points you have learned to use to offset the pain of your most intimate trials and tribulations. 

Your intimately personal testimonies may not be for everyone; however, you can trust that if you have learned from it, you will be able to teach from it. So today, why don't you  share your  testimony with someone.  L. 

Study Reference: Romans 2:18-21
From: "Mentorship 101."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: s. atchinson

​ “And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold the Word of the Lord came to him, and He said unto him, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”  …And he said …I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”  1 Kings 19:9-10
 
​
One of the most powerful stories in the Bible is the story of Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal.  Elijah, believing that he is the only remaining prophet of God, is so tired of Israel’s rebellion and disobedience to the commandments of God that, he challenges all the prophets of Baal to a final showdown in order to demonstrate to Israel, once and for all, whose God, is God.  It is a terrific story of God proving His awesome power.   

During the showdown, all the prophets of Baal call on their god to consume their altar’s sacrifice by fire. From morning until night they try everything to rouse their god; cutting themselves, bloodletting, worshiping, and yelling. They even resort to jumping up and down on the altar, but nothing works. Elijah, witnessing their exhaustion, is even a little comical, teasing them saying, “Scream louder, maybe he’s asleep, or traveling, or pursuing; after all, he’s a god.”  (1 Kings 18:27)  The prophets attempt to reach their god until they are completely exhausted. 

When it is Elijah’s turn, he erects an altar to God; dousing it and the sacrifice with enough water to fill a great trench surrounding the altar. He prays, petitioning God to appear; and, the Fire of God comes down from heaven, consumes the sacrificial bull, all the wood under the bull, all the stones that created the altar, and even the dust around the altar.  And, just to make certain that the people truly understood the power of God, the Bible says, The Fire “licked up all the water that was in the trench.”  After the showdown, as Mosaic Law commands, the people killed all 450 prophets of Baal. 

Right after this, Elijah prophesied that rain, which has not occurred in the land of Israel for three years, will now fall. Then Jezebel, the queen of the region, and the primary worshiper of Baal, sends out a decree swearing to Elijah that he will die the next day in similar fashion to her prophets.  Here is the part that I have always found perplexing. --Elijah runs!  In an effort to save his own life, he runs into the wilderness to hide from Jezebel! 

Elijah had just witnessed the awesome power of God, yet he ran away! This story used to bother me until I realized that, we do the very same thing!  God proves Himself time and time again.  We pray, petition, and plead with God to do something that only He can do, and then it happens—we are saved and victorious through our trial or tribulation.  Then, a few hours later, something else happens, and we run; cowering and hiding as if we are all alone in the process against the enemy. 

Somehow we can pray for others in faith and hope, believing the outcome will work in their favor. Yet, when it comes to ourselves we cower in fear, losing faith that the presence of God will manifest in our problem; simply because, our rival is as bold as Jezebel.  Let’s be honest, we have to give Jezebel some credit. She had the audacity to threaten Elijah with death, even after hearing that all her prophets were killed, and that her god didn’t even show up for the fight.  So there it is!  The opposition seems to always have more bravado—a bigger mouth, and a lot more nerve; while we cower in fear, believing our God will not come through when we need Him.  It is the same bravado Goliath used while mocking Saul’s army for 40 days in the valley of Elah.  He stood in strength until David showed up; the one person who did not doubt that God would vanquish the enemy.  

Like Jezebel and Goliath, the evil situations in our lives always appear larger and more looming than the goodness in our lives.  And so, we find ourselves running from an enemy that really should be running from us!  By the time God asks Elijah the question in today’s verse, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”  Elijah had been hiding in a cave from Jezebel for more than 40 days. 

​Sometimes we find ourselves in the same situation.  Although we call Jesus, Savior, we somehow keep running from an enemy that God has already proven He can handle.  So, like Elijah, do we continue to run for days in the wilderness, where God has to ask us, “What doest thou here?”  Or, do we stand and face the enemy; knowing that, no matter what happens, God has our back?   L.

Study Reference: 1 Kings 18:1-46, 19:1-10
From: "What Doest Thou Here?"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty

​  "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.”
Psalm 4:3


Most people believe that they “find” God on their own, not realizing that God has always been there patiently waiting for them to seek Him. Yet, for most Believers, there will be times when God will prod you to speak to someone about Jesus in order to help them understand more about His Love.

Today’s verse reminds us that God sets apart those that are godly for Himself; but, quite often, He also sets apart those that are wallowing in the midst of sin; since, unlike us, He knows their heart and their future. 

Think about it. He set aside Zacchaeus, a hated and thieving tax collector who hid in a tree, hoping that he could look at God without being seen. He set aside each of His disciples, including Judas, while they were in the midst of doing their regular daily routine. He set aside Paul, stopping him cold; a man who, in his zeal to uphold the religious traditions of the past, was on his way to murder Christians.  —He even set aside you and me.  So remember, no one is lost until their very last breath; and even then, there's Grace.  Every single person can be touched by God, even while they are in the midst of doing something that you consider ungodly. 

It doesn’t matter if someone is hiding, working, or zealous about doing something insane, they can still be touched by the Spirit of God. —Just a little something for you to remember the next time you are making a decision on “who” you should speak to about the Love of God. L.

**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal. Don't forget to make it personal to you.​

Study Reference: Psalm 4:3
From: “Your Thoughts: Set Apart (I).”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Monique Forestier (climber),  photo: Red Bull

  "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver Me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover Me with his feathers, and under His wings shalt I trust: His truth shall be My shield and buckler. I shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;  nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  A thousand shall fall at My side, and ten thousand at My right hand; but it shall not come nigh Me."       Psalm 91:1-7
 

Recently, a young pastor, speaking to a group of Chaplaincy students, told a story regarding his 5-year old son. As a Chaplain, Pastor, and former soldier, he and his wife decided that they would shield their young son from all the violence and violent images that's readily available to children, for as long as humanly possible. So, in an effort to do so, they continuously screen everything he watches.  Recently, while in a store making a purchase, he realized that there were movie previews playing in the background of the store. When he looked at his son, he noticed that his son had placed his head on the counter, shielding his eyes from the sudden onslaught of violence shown on the screen. He calmly said, “Son, what’s wrong?” His son, still shielding his eyes, quietly said, “--Daddy, I’m scared.”  Then, picking up his son and cradling him close to his chest; he said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Daddy is here. And, Daddy wouldn't let anything happen to you.”
 
As he told the story, I could “see” the entire incident as it unfolded in my head; and, I thought about God’s promise to shield His children when we are scared, under siege, broken, or fearful.  Today’s passage, taken from the beginning verses of Psalm 91, reminds us that God has given us the promise of His protection. It outlines His promise to protect us from snares, pestilence, dark terrors, or daily projectiles.  —And, He does not stop there!  He throws in His protection against those things that hide within the crevices of darkness; and, even those things or people that come for us in the fullness of day. He tells us that, thousands may fall from the peril around us, but it will not come near us.
 
Like our Heavenly Father, the father in our story protected his son from the onslaught of perceived danger. He shielded him from the terror that was imagined in his son's young mind. —Now, consider your Heavenly Father as He shields you  against the “thing”  that has you scared, under siege, broken, or fearful.  Consider being under the shadow of His Wings, away from any of the things that have taken residence in your life, keeping you feeling trapped and afraid, with your head bowed and eyes shielded.  If you can understand just how much the father in this story wanted to keep his son protected, then consider just how much more your Heavenly Father will protect YOU!  L. 

Happy Father's Day to all the men who are celebrating the Blessing of Fatherhood today!  We Thank YOU and pray for more of God's Blessings over your life as our Fathers, heads of households, first guides, and more often, the quiet protectors of our families. —Much Love to all of you; and May God continue to Protect YOU! --Happy Father's Day!  
L. 
 
**Now, it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today’s verse in your journal.  
 
Study Reference: Psalm 91
From: "Your Thoughts:“Protected!" In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

    "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.”     Psalm 37:3-5


The Children of Israel learned how to move with God. —But, let’s be real, they really did not have a choice. The presence of God was within their sight as a beautiful cloud, keeping them sheltered from the desert sun by day; and, as a pillar of fire by night, keeping them warm and toasty from the harsh desert wind. They moved when God moved. For them, moving was easily discernible; they could see God’s presence with their eyes. However, given only their faith to go on today, I wonder how they would react. 

Praying and waiting for God to tell you when to leave or not, you have to admit, can be a little frustrating. Suppose it’s a move to a job you need? Or perhaps, moving from an undesirable situation to what appears to be another undesirable situation? —Or, for that matter, staying put? And, this is when you actually have an opportunity to leisurely select between one decision or another. What happens when you feel desperate? What about when your bills are piling up, the cupboards are bare, and you can’t find the resources. -What then? 

The Children of Israel had an amazing visual every day and evening to keep them focused. You do not have God in your sight. -Or, do you?  We see God’s beauty in the earth every day. We have only to look around to see the marvelous works of His hands.  In addition to this, we have His Holy Word as our guide; and, our prayers as our conversations with Him. No matter how much we may lack patience, our Bible says to pray for what we need. So, whether it is an answer to a problem, or help in discerning between several options, like the Children of Israel, we always have God within our midst.  Most of all, remember what our Bible says in Psalm 37:3-5: 

​“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of your heart. Commit your ways unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.”
​
Continue to trust, pray, and have faith. —​You will know precisely when He needs YOU to move.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 37:3-5   
From: "Moving With God." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Martin Schoeller featuring Ashrita Furman, Guinness World Record Holder

  "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou know not.”    Jeremiah 33:3

 
The story of King Saul is such a terrific saga; it shows how he began his career as king of Israel, his faith, —or lack thereof, and how his reign ended. (1 Samuel 10:22-24, 31:1-6)  Although he really did not believe he was supposed to be the first king of Israel, once he actually became king, his arrogance would lead him to believe in his own strength. He was no different than the rest of us; he needed a paradigm shift to understand the leap of faith God desired for his life.

A paradigm shift is anything that allows you to move from one level of thinking to another. For some, it is the transition from college student to professional. For others, it will mean the transition from single-and-free to mated-with-children. However, most of us will experience a paradigm shift upon the passing of one or both of our parents when we finally understand the meaning of the circle-of-life. In that time and on that day, we truly become adults with an understanding that previously, we were the next generation to fulfill the gap, and now we are the generation in the gap.

Paradigm shifts are interesting events; they enable us to be in a particular circumstance while preparing ourselves to fulfill yet another role. In some cases, it becomes a type of projection into the future. In many instances becoming a Christian is akin to having a paradigm shift—your reality changes. 

If you grew up in a Christian household, the shift is actually quite different than if you found God on your own.  (Don’t bother to write, I am a fourth generation Christian)  I say the paradigm shift is different because, “In-born” Christians can be a little arrogant in their belief; like Pharisees, sticklers for the law, believing that God only works for us based on the things we do. “New-born” Christians can see God more liberally than “In-born” Christians, because they can easily recall the depths from which God has saved them. They will be the ones who continuously remind us of the gamut of God’s Grace and Love in the lives of humanity. 

It was the same when Jesus walked with the people; He caused a true paradigm shift among both the people and the Pharisees.  Each group had to change the way they looked at the extent of God’s Love.  For the Pharisees it was a new understanding that God Loved people more than “The Law.”  For the people, it was in understanding that God Loved them enough to forgive them for the sins they enacted against Him. So, whether you are an Inborn Christian or New-born Christian, you should rejoice in understanding that God will do all He can to keep you, constantly shifting His paradigm to keep you  in Grace!  L.  

Study Reference: Jeremiah 33:3   
From: "A Paradigm Shift." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty/ Faroe Island, Lake in a Mountain.

   "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth its fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he does shall prosper.”    Psalm 1:3

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Consider writing out exactly what today's verse means to you. —Not simply a translation of the text; but, as God's personal promise to you.  For instance, for me it means that:  

“When I remain resolute concerning God's promise of replenishment in my life, my endeavors will continue to blossom; and, whatever I plan, build, believe, or create within the will of God, will prosper. And, when I stand in faith, resolute on the Word of God, I will be like a tree planted by the water, continuously replenished, nourished, and blessed for overwhelming growth.”

I figure, if God can be massive, my hopes and dreams can be massive too!

Your affirmation can be more specific in regards to your family, career, talents, gifts, health, goals, and yes, even finances. Try making the text so personal to you that, when you feel as if you are failing, or overwhelmed by life, your personal verse will completely replenish you. For example, to see how powerful this verse is in its simplicity, insert your name in the original text below.  You will feel the difference immediately.  Say it out loud.

 I, _____________ (insert your first name), shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bring forth fruit in my season. My goals, health, wealth, love, and forgiveness shall not wither and whatsoever I do shall prosper. —Amen. 

Repeat it again.

This verse, taken from the very first song/Psalm of David, is an absolute prophetic affirmation in the life of Believers; why not embrace it and make it one of God’s wonderful promises to YOU!  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 1
From: "Your Thoughts: Affirmation, Planted By The River."
​In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Daniela Duncan

​                    “Be still and know that I AM God...”          Psalm 46:10-a


On more than one occasion I have written about solitude; because, I believe it is the best way for most people to figure out the deeper aspects of their life, in reference to most things, including where God fits in.

The desert is one of the best metaphors for inertia –stillness. It easily conjures images of insatiable thirst, unending desire, and stillness. All things, which most of us deplore; and yet, many of us must endure in order to move forward. Consider it like sleep; without it, we experience difficulty functioning the next day, a mere 24 hours later. I was thinking about today’s verse in reference to all these things, when I received a post from a friend regarding a phenomenon taking place in the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest deserts in the world. 

Years ago, I was told that, if it were to rain on the Sahara Desert in North Africa, it would be one of the most fertile places on earth; possibly, even the Garden of Eden. Yet, although it made sense intellectually; I considered it mere speculation. Then I received some rare photos of the Atacama Desert in full bloom and today’s verse took on an even greater meaning.

Like the stillness of the desert waiting on God’s response to its query, there are times when we must wait, learn, and grow before we can receive a response. And, like the desert, where its seeds lie in state germinating, waiting to gain all the nutrients necessary to strengthen its ability to bloom; often, we must do the same; wait, learn, and grow so that we too can bloom. Yet, we will need to "...Be still and know that God is God."  Then, just like the flowers of the Atacama Desert featured in the photo above, when we bloom, everyone  will take notice!  L.

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

​Study Reference: Psalm 46:10, Psalm 91:1-2
From: “Your Thoughts: Blooming, In A Dry Place."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Paulo Maldonado Larrondo

​  "And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man hath done nothing amiss.  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shall thou be with Me in paradise.”    Luke 23:41-43  


Some of you are going through the job performance review process as you read. –And, not all job performance reviews are wonderfully fair.  Most of us know that the outcome can sometimes be based on the whims, preferences, or any of the "isms" of the reviewer, not your actual performance. There can be jealousy, envy, and in some cases, inordinate strategy to keep you where you are, move you along, or send you packing.  However, unlike a typical job performance review, God has compassion!  The kind of compassion that incorporates, Grace, Love, Mercy, Favor, Forgiveness; and, the opportunity for repentance while you still live and breathe.

There are many instances in the Bible where we can see God's compassion in action. However, the most familiar one is the story of the two thieves tied to crosses on the right and left side of Jesus. One thief offers a conditional statement daring Jesus to save Himself. The other rebukes the first, confessing his sins; and, after acknowledging Jesus’ sovereignty and innocence, asks Him to remember him when He “comes into His Kingdom.”   Although we do not know the complexities of the life this man led, in Matthew 27:38 and Mark 15:27  he is called a thief, while in Luke 23:33 he is called a malefactor. Yet, the Bible notes that he confessed his sins and accepted his deserved fate; and, more importantly, Jesus saw fit to acknowledge his desire to enter into His kingdom.

So, no matter how grave you believe your life performance review is, as long as you still live and breathe, if you acknowledge the sovereignty of Jesus, confess your sins, and offer true repentance, you will garner God’s Forgiveness for any aspect of your life.  L.

Study Reference: Luke 23:38-46 
From:"Performance Reviews." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: blogspot

​"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”     1 Peter 3:8-9
 

Several years ago, I watched as ABC’s Nightline featured a story about Mitch Albom and his book, Tuesdays with Morrie.  Mitch Albom, an acclaimed writer for the NY Times and a former student of Morrie Schwartz, learned that his former sociology professor was dying from a type of sclerosis called, ALS.  It appears ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) slowly robs the body's motor functions until the entire body finally shuts down. When the series began, Morrie could move his upper body; by the time the series ended, he could barely move his lips to speak. 
The book chronicles the final two years of his life and the wisdom he imparts to his former student. The series, like the book, is extremely emotional; and, throughout the series Morrie explains his own emotional turmoil concerning his imminent death.  

Here's the thing I found compelling. During one of the final segments of the broadcast series, Mitch Albom asks Morrie, “What is the one thing you feel people should know?”  He thought for a second and said, “Be compassionate.” As I sat listening to the broadcast, I thought about the brilliance in the statement! Have more compassion for each other. It is a simple statement; yet, oftentimes we find it difficult to do.

Some of us confuse compassion with love. Compassion is not like love.  Love is intrinsic unto itself; you either have it or you don't.  Compassion however, can be acquired.  It is complete empathy. The understanding that you may not like the person, or their viewpoint, or their religion, or their accent, or their country, or their ...whatever; but, somehow you can offer them a glass of water when they are thirsty, food when they are hungry, and help when they cannot help themselves. Compassion compels us to make an empathetic connection between our worse enemy and ourselves.  

Morrie’s statement was one of the last things he was able to say before his death. 
Compassion, a word found 41 times in our Bible from Exodus to Jude, offers a slight glimpse into the very Spirit of God; the very Heart of Jesus Christ.  Shouldn't we at least try to offer as much of it as possible?  L.  

Study Reference: 1 Peter 3:8-9, Psalm 78:38-39
From: "Compassion." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: unknown

  " ...At that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”        John 14:20


If living an obedience-based life were easy, everyone would be doing it. —Consider this, Adam & Eve had everything they needed from God, and they couldn't do it.  I know it sounds bleak, but when I consider the things people do in an effort to stay in synch with pop culture, it sometimes makes me cringe. 

You might remember the young man, a protester in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, who refused to move from the path of an oncoming army tank. The Chinese army had been called in to eradicate student protesters from their peaceful protest in the middle of the square. In an effort to make a stand for justice, this young man would not allow the tank to move forward. He became a hero and a worldwide figure for justice. He took a stand and would not move although all the other protesters ran for cover. If the tank moved to the right—he moved to the right. If it moved to the left—he moved to the left. He was prepared for the outcome no matter what the cost. Eventually the army general ordered the tank to mow him down. I still remember the incident, and can still see the moving image in my mind. This is the cost of faith. —​This is the cost of an obedience-based life.

Eventually, you will be asked to surrender your will to anchor the Will of God in your heart. Sometimes the request will not be popular; and sometimes, you will have to stand alone. You will either run for cover and bow, or face the tank / cross as Jesus did. —Eventually someone will have to take a stand for the integrity of God, will that person be you?  L.

Study Reference: John 14:9-21
Excerpt from: "Standing Alone."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: mindworks ​​

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all thine iniquities; Who heals all thy diseases; Who redeems thy life from destruction; Who crowns thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”    Psalm 103:1-5
 

Most of us know the verse “...by His stripes we are healed,”  found in the book of Isaiah chapter 53.  As Christians, it is the reason why we do not claim any ailment that comes into our life.  Our premise is that, as Jesus Christ was flogged, bloodied, hammered, and nailed to the cross at Calvary, He bore the brunt of every disease known to mankind.

Yet, in reality, many of the problems we experience with ailments and illnesses within our bodies come from our own lack of forgiving ourselves. The human mind, body, and spirit is so highly complex and integrated, that somehow, subconsciously, when we do not forgive ourselves, it is because we believe that we deserve whatever physical issue we are experiencing; not understanding that, if you are a professed Christian, Jesus has already forgiven you! –Now, you must forgive yourself! 

You literally have to accept the fact that God has already forgiven you for whatever it is that you believe you have done.  And yet, sometimes your own lack of unforgiveness is compounded by the external. –Other people who knew you prior to your decision to clean up your life may not have forgiven you.  –Or, those who knew you prior to your Confession of Faith may not believe in your sincerity.  Well, at some point, you will have to make a decision. Do you believe what God says about you; or, what others say about you?  –The proof of the one you believe will be your life.

Ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt or harmed. And yes, you will have to ask!  Once you have humbled yourself and asked in sincerity, it is up to them to forgive you for what you have done.  Keep in mind that, your request for the other person’s forgiveness is mostly for you. Their forgiveness of your deed is mostly for them.  And, your request for forgiveness is healing for you; while their acceptance to forgive you, is healing for them. 
Then, every day, look into a mirror and say, “My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has forgiven me; and today, by the Grace of God, I forgive myself.”  Do this daily until you can truly, truly believe it.  So finally, once and for all, you can let the healing begin.  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 103:1-5
From: “Your Thoughts: The Healing of Forgiveness.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Ombrella by La Tigre Bianca