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

"Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him; because, that for this       thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.”
 Deuteronomy 15:10
“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak; for your work shall be rewarded.”   2 Chronicles 15:7


As children we were taught to bless our meal; not because the meal was potentially dangerous, but because it was an opportunity to thank God for His provisions.  As adults, we must learn to extend this blessing to our work or daily routine, since our work is ideally a provision from God; and, by blessing our provisions we are also blessing God.

The act of verbally blessing your work not only helps you to go through your daily routine, it also helps to alleviate potential problems with co-workers and /or others, who may be going through issues even more difficult than you could ever imagine.  In addition to this, it blesses your work in direct opposition to those whose only desire is to sabotage the work you do. Sometimes, those who you work or interact with, are simply going through problems so overwhelming in their personal life, it manifests itself in their demeanor at work.  Either way, you have no way of knowing which one is which –a deeply personal problem, or wicked sabotage.  So, pray for them; nothing grandiose, just quietly at your desk prior to your interactions with them. –It will work wonders. The truth is, we never really know why certain co-workers are placed in our path by God. Like the Ethiopian chamberlain baptized by Phillip in Acts 8:26-38, it just might be to get them closer to God, or simply for God’s Glory.

In today’s text, Deuteronomy 15:10, God instructs employers to deal fairly with their servants /employees; since, in doing so, not only will they be blessed, but everything within their business will be blessed. –This includes you!
Bless your work, bless the company you work for, and more importantly, bless your bosses. It will change their outlook; but, even more important, it will change yours.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 103:22, Psalm 145:2, Romans 12:14
From: "Blessing Your Work."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: I. Ytimg

 "And another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”
​Luke 9:61-62


In Genesis chapter 19, we learned the dismal fate of the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both cities were destroyed because of the wicked behavior of the people. Yet, one of the most memorable parts of the story is Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt. Her penalty for turning around, pining for the city, the people, her family, and possibly her property as it all burned. It may be difficult to understand why God would rescue her family, yet allow her to be destroyed, simply because, she disobeyed by looking back at the destruction, understandably rueful, about what she left behind.

Now that God has called you unto Him, do you sometimes remember the old days; the days when you used to do the things that were not of God? Does any part of you want to go back to the way things were? -Are you rueful over the people and things that were consumed, although you were spared? Every once in a while I remember the people who passed away because their lifestyle prompted such dangerous behavior, it seemed only a matter of time before they were consumed. And, then I remember, “...there, but for the Grace of God, go I.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

There will be times after God has rescued you out of a bad situation that you begin to feel rueful about those people and things left behind. -Somehow remembering only the good times, and forgetting the pain. Ideally, there will be times when you are supposed to return to your former life to help those left behind. And, there will be other times when you will have to leave their rescue to God. However, it will be up to you to pray for a sense of discernment to identify which one is within the will of God. -Because, if you are still looking back ruefully at your former life, maybe you are not as committed as you may believe you are; and, the act of interacting with those left behind, even to free them, may just end up entrapping you, instead of freeing them.  L.


Study Reference: Luke 17:32, Genesis 19:26, Luke 9:61-62
From:"Looking Back." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo image: istock

​"And I have given you a land for which ye did not labor, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive-yards which ye planted not, do ye eat.”  
​Joshua 24:13


When we speak about being "blessed" by God, we usually mean that we are reaping where we have not sown. And, the reality is, many times the blessings we receive emanate from a completely unexpected source. Our tiny mustard seed of faith, watered and blessed by God, spreads across the earth taking our hopes and dreams with it. 

When the children of Israel left the wilderness, they were confounded in the Promise Land; they had no idea how they were going to survive. It was completely inconceivable to them, where they would live, what they would eat, or whom they would encounter. Although God had already foreseen and taken care of their every need, forty years had passed, and the new younger generation needed to learn how to trust God on their own. 

Joshua reminded this new generation how vitally important it was for them to continue to follow the laws of God, not simply because He was God; but because, He had blessed them abundantly, allowing them to destroy their enemies, and to reap where they had not sown.

Today's verse, found in the book of Joshua, speaks about the blessings God gave to the Children of Israel after they crossed over the Jordan River.  It is a reminder to remember the bestowing of the land that He handed to them in the presence of their enemies. Like the Children of Israel, sometimes, as a modern Believer, you may need a gentle reminder to acknowledge God's Blessing in your life.  

When you follow God’s agenda, He will bless you beyond your imagination; and, without question, you will reap where you have not sown. You will prosper where others have begun the work and given up. You will lay claim to abundance, although you did not create it. —And, you will gain that, which you did not labor. You simply have to remember to obey God and trust in His Word.  L.

Study Reference: Joshua 24:1-31, Deuteronomy 6:10-11 
Excerpt From:"Reaping, Not Sown." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo credit: Loews


​

   "… But let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation.” James 5:12


In today's society we tend to be so flippant about keeping our word. We make promises we know we cannot keep, not realizing it is an injunction against our very integrity. 

Our grandparents used to say, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!" In many instances it was said with a smile; yet, it was a statement placing the person on notice that, the original prank, scheme, or lie would not work a second time in capturing their prey.

Understand that every time we dismiss the words we have given to someone, our integrity is damaged; and, every time our integrity is damaged, our very character takes a fall. Did you know that this concept is a biblical principle? Take a look for yourself in Matthew 5:37 and review the text above found in James 5:12 “… but let your yes be yes; and your no, no...”   

​Trust me, I understand. There is a lot of grey area between yes and no; and, it is really hard to relinquish all that wiggle room in case we change our minds on a particular issue.  However, this is exactly the point. It is having an opinion, making a decision, and sticking to it; or, changing your position based on new information coming to light.  In any event, you would simply state your new decision, position, or not. 

Taking an oath would be unnecessary because our words would be like gold; it would be our bond. Practice saying what you mean, and mean what you say. Respect the value of your own voice, and keep your word. Whether it is to a friend, colleague, adult, or child, if you say it, you should mean it!  L.

​
Study Reference: Matthew 5:37, James 5:12 
From: "The Integrity Quotient." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

“...That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed My voice.”
Genesis 22:17-18


American historians say the family trees of most Americans can only be traced back to 4 generations within the United States. For most of us, this means that our great-grandparents probably had a thick accent, spoke another language, and arrived from another location in the world.

This country is uniquely made up of people from all nations, creeds, cultures, languages, and races.
Now, unlike any other nation in the world, the United States of America is truly diverse in its culture, food, accents, languages, etc. When we look back at all the cultures within the US, we have to admit, God certainly had a very specific plan for this nation. The “Founding Fathers,” charted and plotted a concept that was so far-reaching into the future, there is absolutely no way that those original slave-owning founders could have possibly imagined what the nation would become, yet evolved we have!

God has you and your family here for a reason. Like visionaries before them, your great-grandparents, grandparents, or parents somehow believed they were casting a special life for you. Like Abraham’s seed fulfilling prophesy, so it is that we live at this time, in this place, helping to cast our family’s story into the future for God’s purpose. Ask God to help you to fulfill His purpose in your life; because ultimately the question is, will God’s purpose be fulfilled with you, or without you?  L.   
​

Study Reference: Genesis 22-25, Proverbs 29:18
Excerpt from: "God's Timing, Vision, & Blessing."
In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Filip Nilholm

“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 that 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 of Ashrita Furman, Guinness World Record Holder
​

 “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

​
"… Jesus said unto them, a Prophet is not without honor, but in His own country, and among His own kin, and in His own house.”    Mark 6:4
 

In October 2009, U. S. President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; a prize more closely associated in the U.S. with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his efforts in utilizing non-violence as a standard in public disobedient protests. There was so much hoopla in American politics concerning the award, yet surprisingly, not in the rest of the world.  The international community saw it as a commendation for his genuine congeniality and peaceful stanch in reaching out to the rest of the world. The interesting thing about the Nobel Peace Prize is that, it is a commemorative prize named for its benefactor Alfred Nobel, a man who created a product primarily used in wars. 

Alfred Nobel was a prolific inventor and businessman; he loved literature, chemistry, and physics. Truly multilingual, he was fluent in German, English, Swedish, Russian, and French.  His relentless experiments to increase the marketability of nitroglycerin, would eventually lead him to the invention of dynamite, ultimately launching him into immense wealth. 

Towards the end of his life, he would leave the majority of his enormous fortune ($40 million in 1896) to benefit the Nobel Prize.  The prize offers international recognition and a substantial monetary grant to its recipients.  It is given to those who perform in excellence; aiding humanity in chemistry, literature, physiology, physics, medicine, and the promotion of peace, without regard to the nominee’s creed, race, gender, or nationality.  Many believe that the Nobel Peace Prize was an effort to atone for his invention of dynamite; an invention that killed thousands of people in his lifetime; and has continued to kill millions more since his death. 

It is true; the Nobel Prize has added international recognition to otherwise obscure individuals whom very few of us would know if it were not for the prize.  And, there is no doubt; Jesus would have been the ultimate honoree for his life’s work as a peacemaker.  –Or, maybe not.  After all, He was the one who actually made the comment found in  
Mark 6:4, today's verse. 

We do not know if Alfred Nobel’s, Nobel Peace Prize, atoned for creating one of the most destructive devices used in accelerating the destruction of mankind; however, it leaves us with the example that wealth cannot buy atonement or salvation. There is only one who can offer atonement for sins committed against humanity, and that is Jesus Christ, the ultimate Peace Prize recipient.  Whether or not you agree with the politics of your nation, take the time to pray for your President, Prime Minister, King, Queen, or Despot; and, all the leaders within your midst.  Since, like King David in his decision to number the Israelites, one bad egotistical decision from them, can lead to the destruction of thousands, quite possibly millions. –Yes, today, pray for your leaders; pray for the presence of peace.  L.  

Study Reference: Mark 6:4, 2 Samuel 24:10-19   
From: "The Presence of Peace."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: youtube, i.ytimg

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him”     Psalm 2:12 b

​
Most of us believe in goal-setting; which means, we determine our desired outcome, set the goal, determine the steps we need to take, and systematically begin the necessary process to achieve the goal. It appears simple enough on the surface, yet depending on the goal, there can be both predetermined and unforeseen obstacles in our way. Many of us simply work around the obstacles; we adjust our steps to remain focused, achieving the desired outcome. Yet, for some people, the obstacles become overwhelming. And, because they have been battered by the process so many times, they simply forego any goals out of fear of disappointment.  

When we were children, our determination to accomplish our goals, no matter how far-fetched they were, was clearly without fear.  Even if we feared some aspect of attempting the goal, all we needed was one person to believe it was possible for us to achieve it, and off we would go.  Think back to that time. What changed?  It should be easier now that we are adults, with the understanding that we serve a God whose greatest desire is our happiness. Our faith, prayers, and trust in God, coupled with action, will accomplish far more than our minds could ever conceive.   

We are privileged to live in a time where innovation is prevalent within our society.  It was not that long ago, that so many of the innovations we take for granted today, were not even imagined just twenty years ago. We now have flat-screen TVs, touch screens, ATM's, laser eye surgery, 3-D printing, cell-phones, MP3 players, robots, and tablets, etc. Yet, someone imagined a life with these conveniences, visualized their goal, stayed the course, and now many of these things are an integral part of our daily lives. 

What would make YOUR light shine more brightly?  What would you like to do?  -Bring your invention to life? Create a product? -Go back to school? -Take a culinary class? -Take a much needed vacation? -Teach in a Third-World country? -Travel around the world for a year? -Learn a new language?
Why not take the time to give it some real thought, writing it down as part of your goals for this year. Chances are, your plans synergized with God’s Vision for your life, will allow you to do far more in this world than you ever believed possible.  Why not write it today? -Why not prove God in your life and set your faith in action?  L.   

Study Reference: Proverbs 29:18
From: "Visualizing Your Goal." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Corey Arnold

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

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

So today, before you decide to manipulate something or someone into doing something that you think might work in your favor; why not try asking for God’s guidance and direction instead.  L.

**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.
 
Study Reference: Psalm 25:5  
From: "Your Thoughts: Before You Leap." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock ​

" …Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power..."        Ephesians 6:10


Most people understand that fasting is a principle practiced by many religions, yet many of us do not understand the true spiritual aspect of a fast.  For the most part, we understand the denial effect it has on our mind; the cleansing effect it has on our body; and, some of the discipline it offers practitioners.  However, most people really do not understand how it trains them spiritually. 

One of the most poignant scenes outlined in our Bible is found in Matthew chapter 4, where Jesus, after fasting in the wilderness for forty days, is tempted by the devil.  It is interesting to note that, the devil chose to launch his attack when Jesus appeared to be at His weakest, physically, mentally, and spiritually. As Christians, we have to believe that Jesus knew his adversary was coming, just as He knew about all the other events that would unfold during His time in physical form. –So, why inflict a forty-day fast at this particular time?  –Why be physically weak when you know your adversary is planning to attack?  –Why choose to be separated from those who truly love you, when you seemingly need them the most? –Think about this for a moment.  

Jesus understood that fasting gives us spiritual strength and power over temptation.  It solidifies our spiritual power over our mind and body, allowing us to access strength supernaturally.  It trains the body and mind to understand that we are not under the control of our urges, whims, habits, or needs. It is acknowledgment that we are spiritual beings whose soul relies on God for replenishment, not our environment.  

I know what you are thinking. “I can’t go without eating for even one day; much less 40 days. I need food!” I truly understand; after three days, I too am looking for food in all the wrong places.  –But, try to understand this. It is not the food that you should be mindful of, it’s the discipline.  The discipline of fasting controls temptation.  It enables you, empowered with spiritual strength, the ability to withstand even the most basic need over temptation.  A need so powerful, it goes back to before your small body left the womb. A need so potent, when you were born, you cried for it non-stop, and didn't even know its name. –Food.

The power of fasting is to teach your body how to listen to you, and not the other way around.  When the body tells you that you are hungry, starving, and ready to pass out; you tell the body that it has enough plump to fast another day.  When the body tells you that you need a steak, burger, or meat by-product, if not you will die; you tell the body, one more steak, burger, or meat by-product, and you will die.  Your body’s primal need relinquishes its control to you, not the other way around.  It learns to accept denial, cleansing, and discipline from you in obedience. –And in return, you relinquish your body, mind, and spirit to God.  L.    

Study Reference: Ephesians 6:10, Matthew 4
From: "Strength or Weakness?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock /Alexandrum79

"Hear My prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications; in Thy faithfulness answer me and in Thy righteousness. Cause me to hear Thy loving kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee.”      Psalm 143:1, 8 


Think about this for a moment; why do you pray?  Are you a petitioner? Are you a repenter?  Are you a pleader?  Or, maybe a negotiator?  Or, could you be a complainer? 

Consider this; if you were listening to your own prayers, what would be the overall theme of your prayers?  Would your prayers sound like, “Oh Lord, help me get through this day! I can’t stand those people I work with!” Or, “Lord, forgive me.  I continue to do the things I shouldn’t do.”   Or, possibly more like, “Help me, oh Lord, I need …I need...
​…I need.”  

Do you find yourself praying and asking God for more things in your prayers rather than simply praising God for his overall presence and mercy in your life? Are you thanking Him for the air you breathe? —For the legs you stand on?  —The eyes you see through? 

As Christians, God is our cavalry in times of trouble—the ultimate knight in shining armor who destroys our foes and clears our path. However, sometimes we forget that the holistic power of prayer is to maintain the spiritual bond that forms the foundation of our relationship with God. It is less about asking for things, and more about praising God for His goodness, presence, and mercy in our lives.  It is the love within our spirit thanking God for the Glory of His presence in this world, in our land, and in our lives.  

It is honest gratitude, including gratitude for our problems; gratitude, with the understanding that there is an evolutionary process that occurs in discovering the solution and receiving a breakthrough.  It is the profound understanding of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He said, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42   It is our keen awareness that there may be something we may want, yet cannot receive, because it is not part of our evolutionary process, or spiritual development to receive it as yet. 

Our prayers are extremely complex. During our prayer time, God communes with us; speaking and guiding us in the divine direction of our daily lives.

Obviously, there will be instances when we earnestly petition God; times when we will plead for forgiveness, ask for direction, beg for mercy, or even complain about a particular circumstance. And, there will be times when we pray for ourselves and intercede on the behalf of others. However, let us not forget that the foundation of our overall prayers should always be to maintain a thankful heart filled wholly and simply with gratitude.   L.   

Study Reference: Psalm 143:1, 8; 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6
From: "Got Prayer?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: stocksnap

​“And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; …But as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.”    Joshua 24:15


One day while visiting another church, I was asked to pray for the church’s upcoming event by the prayer ministry leader. So, I asked everyone seated in the sanctuary to join our group, in prayer, for the church.  After we prayed together, we planned to conduct a prayer walk; however, seated in the back of the church were four young men quietly talking. They were about 14-16 years old; and, they had already planned not to participate in the prayer walk.

I spoke to them about praying for their families, friends, and loved ones.  And, I explained the importance of prayer, especially for young men living in an urban environment where madness and mayhem are the norm. I told them that they had to really start practicing the art of praying for each other, since somehow, all their male teenage friends seemed to have a bull’s-eye painted on their backs. By the time my soliloquy ended, they had decided to join the others in praying for their church. 

Young men, one half of our most valuable assets, are growing up without truly understanding the importance of prayer. Ordinarily, we pray for them. They are the key subject keeping many mothers on their knees in prayer. However, we rarely teach them how to pray for themselves or their friends.  Although we should be certain to teach both young men and women to pray, young men are uniquely different teenagers than their female counterparts. They are much more daring; sometimes taking risks with all types of precarious behavior that places them directly in harm’s way and into the arms of the Enemy. We cannot simply pray for them; we have to teach them how to pray for themselves: and, with and for their friends. —Since ultimately, there is a very good chance that their friends are the ones they will be with when trouble ensues. —And, keep this in mind, no child is exempt; trouble follows all our children.

Whether there are social gatherings, family issues, personal problems, friendship woes, dating flubs, or peer pressure; take the time to teach your teenagers to pray for themselves and for all their pressing issues, so they can get accustom to praying as a response to all types of problems. This way, when you need prayer they can pray for you; and, on that day when you are no longer there, they will know how to call on the name of the Lord in their  time of trouble.  L.

Study Reference: Joshua 24:14-18 
Excerpt from: "As For Me & My House."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

“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 my problems 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

​"..And Jesus departed from there, and came near unto the Sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto Him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and He healed them.”          Matthew 15:29-30


As I read the passage for today’s daily devotion, I realized that when Jesus was near the Sea of Galilee speaking to the multitude of 4000 men, not counting the women and children, those listening to Him had been with Him for three days without food.  As we can imagine, the people must have been so rapt by the teachings and healing miracles taking place, that their spiritual fulfillment and physical nourishment came from what they heard and saw  in the presence of Jesus, and not from what is considered physical food.  Nevertheless, Jesus turned to His Disciples in Matthew 15:32  and said: 

"I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."

Jesus' statement, “I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”  encourages Believers  to remember that, when we pray and fast, seriously awaiting an answer from God about the life issues we are faced with; and, we are prepared to see the miracle of His Word take form, —we will receive an answer! —We will not be sent away unfed or unfulfilled.  The act of fasting for three days, maintaining God's Word through the body's spiritual gates of what we see and hear, will only strengthen our resolve and maintain our spiritual focus. 

So, if you are having some degree of difficulty reaching a level of clarity about an issue affecting your life, maybe it's time for you to try prayer, reading, and fasting.  It removes the cobwebs cluttering your mind, the unnecessary debris clogging up your body, and releases your spirit to access God more fully.  —Not to mention, receiving an answer that just might change the entire direction of your life.  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 15:29-39
From: "Fed And Fulfilled." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bing

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”    
1 Timothy 2:1, 2:8 


Recently I have been attending a church near my home.  It is literally within walking distance from my home; so, on those rare occasions where I may not feel  like attending services, I actually have no excuse but to roll out of bed and go. While visiting the church I was asked by the Prayer Ministry Leader to join their prayer group for prayer. I was a little surprised since it is customary for these groups to pray for specific people or issues within the church; nevertheless, I joined their group for prayer. 

Prayer is a personal issue; and, intercessory prayer is even more personal. The idea of group intercessory prayer is based on Matthew 18:18-20, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them...”  Yet, not every person can intercede on behalf of others.  In order to intercede on behalf of another person, you truly have to believe anything is possible.  And, I mean anything!  True intercession, is based on clearing all of your own personal biases, concerns, fears, judgments, and preconceived notions so you can be in full agreement with the other person’s request. If the request is not something you agree with, you cannot pray for that request.  It simply cannot garner a solution from God based on the principle of touching and agreeing. 

Herein lies the problem.  In order to intercede on behalf of another, the other person really should tell you, in confidence of course, what their issue is.  They should not speak around the issue, talk in code, or ask in secrecy.  The idea is, you should actually agree with what the other person is asking for.  If it is done in secret, how do you know that you agree with the petition being place before God?  -You don’t!  If they can’t tell you, then maybe they should find someone they can confide in or begin the process of praying alone in their prayer closet. The intercessor has a spiritual responsibility to maintain the personal confidence of the person they are praying for. There are no grey areas concerning the confidentiality of the matter.  Unless you are purposely enlisting the spirit-filled prayers of additional prayer partners, in a prayer group, for the person in question, everything told to you should be in confidence.  Take the time to pray for others, omit your own fears and truly pray for them; because, you never know when you will need someone to pray for You.  L. 

Study Reference:  1 Timothy 2:1, 2:8, Mark 1:35
From:"Praying For Others."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: sherry zhao

 "Lord I cry unto Thee; make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto Thee. Let my prayer be set fort
before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”      Psalm 141:1-2 


The supplication of solitary prayer is highly personal. It is not like the prayer of agreement; or, like intercessory prayer, where someone who empathizes with you, prays for you.  Solitary prayer is your own personal plea to God for action on your behalf.  No one can do it for you!  It is confession of those deeply personal issues where truly only God can help you.  It is not “…Now I lay me down to sleep…”  It is more like, “Do I jump out of this window now, or drop to my knees and pray?” 

Your friends can’t help you because they don’t care; and your family can’t help you because they don’t understand.  It is the kind of problem where your spirit is so completely overwhelmed, --the pain so deeply etched and so far reaching, that only God can soothe it.  The truth is, if you have never been there and you are a Christian—your time will come! It came for David, Joseph, Job, Esther, Mary—the list can go on.  It came for Jesus—it will come for you.  Your solitary prayer is the scent of your soul weeping its petition in the presence of God.  

Revelation 8:3-4 says, 
“…And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand…”

Our prayers are the sweet and savory scent of burning incense to God!  Our petitions, pleas, supplications, begging, weeping, moaning, and thrashing, although oftentimes quite painful for us, are the thick sweet smoke of incense before the throne of God!  The deeper the prayer, the stronger the scent! That’s why your words are irrelevant to God; your moaning and tears have their own pungent scent.    

Beloved, know that God hears your supplications and listens to your inner most needs. So, for a change, instead of waiting until all else fails, why not start with prayer first.  L.  

Study Reference: Psalm 141:1-2, Psalm 142, Revelation 8:3-4  
From: "Solitary Prayer." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock