“…For the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. ...So when even was come, the Lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.”      Matthew 20:1, 8-10
 

Matthew 20:1-16, is a parable given by Jesus to His disciples when a very wealthy man walks away sorrowful, after he learns he must forsake his wealth to follow Jesus in order to inherit eternal life. The parable follows one of the most famous lines in the Bible, “…Verily I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24)  

It is a perplexing parable like all the other parables Jesus taught His disciples while He walked among them.  However, this one has even greater implications for modern Christians.  Consider this; the parable speaks to those who accepted Jesus early in their lives, living the principles of Christianity, versus those who gained the wisdom of accepting the Gospel towards the end of their lives. 

Those who accepted the Gospel at the beginning of their lives accepted it for very little, maybe this person is you; you were young, heard the Word, and simply believed.  You did not need to witness the miracles of Jesus in your life, you simply believed and adhered to a straight and narrow path. It was all you asked, and for your belief and faith, payment will be the inheritance of eternal life.  Those who came to God closer to the end of their lives, possibly someone you believe has lived an unrighteous life for instance, asked for more; more love, more miracles, more faith, and more time, as shown by the ragged, frayed edges of their life. God agreed; and their payment will be the same inheritance, eternal life. Yet, we have the same old debate, "Does the thief on the cross inherit eternal life equally as the man who repented or followed Christ early in his life?"  Does God honor your lifelong repentance the same as the person who repented on his deathbed?

As Christians, we would like to believe God honors all repentances the same, no one is greater than another, no sin is lesser or greater than the other. In James 2:10 the Bible says, if you commit one sin you are guilty of all. Yet, in our scant human understanding, we place our own sins in some type of hierarchy, as if we believe God says, “Hmmm… his sin wasn't as bad as the murder in the first degree committed by…”  And so, we live our lives trying to make up for the sins we committed throughout our lives as if we have to, forgetting that we are all saved by Grace.  Upon our baptism we are dead to sin; Jesus stands in our stead with God.  Does this mean we can continuously dishonor God by repeating and repenting as we go? Well... yes; at our very lowest we can, but it is a ridiculously hard way to live. Living on the straight and narrow path is hard enough. 

Ideally, we live to maintain a higher standard for our lives, because as Christians it shows our love, reverence, and respect for Jesus’ sacrifice of His life for ours.  Why would anyone wait until the end of their life, or possibly their very last breath to make a commitment to God?  What are the chances that you will make your commitment in time to repent for a lifetime spent away from God?  L.  

Study Reference: Matthew 20:1-16
From: “Different Deal, Same Pay.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

“Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.”  
Matthew 11:11

 
There is no doubt about John the Baptist’s direct relationship to Jesus; not only was he Jesus’ cousin, he was divinely chosen by God to be the messenger foretelling Jesus’ ministry.  In today’s society, he would be considered the advertisement trailer —the pre-event marketing strategy of the main event.  When we read about his life, we know he lived sparsely, ate sparingly, and until his appearance in Israel, remained mostly in solitude in the desert and wilderness. At some point, because of the righteousness of the life he led, the people believed he was the Messiah. However, he was certain to correct them whenever he heard them.  It is interesting to note that his ministry was so well-known, that even the nobles knew who he was, and feared him.  Yet, in the comment above, Jesus states that as great as John-the-Baptist was, the very “least” of us in the Kingdom of God will be “greater than he.” 

Imagine for a moment that we, with all our faults, limitations, and disbelief; with repentance, remission of sin, baptism, and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, will be greater than John-the-Baptist!  It is almost too stunning to imagine.  Here is a man that while he was in the very womb of his mother, was already filled with the Holy Spirit praising God. (Luke 1:15)  

John-the-Baptist truly understood the purpose for his life; somehow he did not get side-tracked by the perils of life; he did not get bogged down by the minutia of life, he simply stayed on course to become a walking advertisement for baptism in Jesus Christ.  He fulfilled his purpose even unto the end of his life when things seemed the bleakest.  

Today, let the promise of God lead your faith; and let no man take from you the gift that has already been freely given in Jesus Christ.   L.

Study Reference: Luke 3:2-22 Matthew 14:3-14
From: "Remaining On Course."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: bluefish

"For we are saved by Hope: but hope that is seen is not Hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Romans 8:24
 

While channel surfing I ran across a program where a Priest was talking about a lifelong friendship he had begun with an older Jewish couple long before he was ordained as a priest. The three of them had maintained their friendship for several decades; and, over the years, they would attend various special events and services at each other’s respective place of worship. It was a special relationship honed out of love, respect, and admiration. Then, one day his Jewish friend called him to say that his wife had died from her long illness.  When the Priest came to console his friend during his time of grief, the grieving man turned to him weeping and said, “I’m truly jealous of you!”   Surprised by his friend’s words, the Priest replied, “—Uh?  What do you mean –I don’t have a wife.” His Jewish friend looked at him through teary bloodshot eyes and said, “Yes, I know.
–That’s not what I meant. –I meant, as a Christian you have Hope!  But, as a Jew, all I have is a lifeless body...”  And, he began to weep.
 
Many times, as Christians, we forget that our belief in Jesus means that, we not only believe in the power of an omnipotent, omnipresent God while we live and breathe; we also believe in an eternal life with God.  --There’s more; we believe that if our loved ones are also Christians, then one day, we will be reunited in eternity.
This ingrained reality really becomes our source of comfort after someone we loved has passed on. Obviously, at the beginning, this reality does not set in immediately; however, when we finally realize that the person is really not coming back to our current reality; our comfort is in knowing that we will be reunited one day. So, to those who are grieving today over the loss of a loved one, remember that God’s Love is so encompassing, His gift of Hope is yet another aspect of His eternal Love for you.
As we commemorate, reflect, and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, remember that a grieving man, a man outside of our faith, finally understood the overall depth of our belief in Jesus Christ. –As Christians, we have Hope!  L.
 
Study Reference: Romans 8:24, Romans 15:13
From; "You Have Hope!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: shutterstock

“O Lord, my God, I cried unto Thee and Thou hast healed me.”  Psalm 30:2


If you have been reading along for any length of time you probably know how I feel about words –seeds.  Words, like seeds can dig deeply and take root.  They are so powerful they can change the way you think, act, and feel.  There are promises in the Bible precisely for those who are ailing; verses that we should use as meditations and mantras to foster healing within our bodies.  These biblical verses, coupled with forgiveness for those who have hurt you, can be powerful healers. Forgiveness is key, that’s why Jesus placed it in The Lord’s Prayer. It fosters healing in our mind, body, and spirit; and, without it, it inhibits the Spirit of God from fully working at optimum capacity in your life.

There are people who are going through some serious ailments, heartache, or pain reading this.  If it is not you, then it is someone you know. So, there are verses you should be reading, meditating, and muttering as frequently as possible that will aid your healing.  Today’s verse is just one of them; however, here are a few more.

“But He was wounded for [my] transgressions; He was bruised for [my] iniquities: the chastisement of [my] peace was upon Him; and with His stripes [I am]  healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for Thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all [my] iniquities; Who heals all [my] diseases; Who redeems [my] life from destruction; Who crowns [me] with Loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies [my] mouth with good things; so that [my] youth is renewed like the eagle's.”  Psalm 103:2-5
 
These are just a few Bible verses for you to use as positive biblical affirmations to declare that you stand on the promise of God to heal you.  So go ahead, cry out, plead, or simply ask; because, as a Believer, healing is a promise that was created just for you from the foundation of the world.  L.

*Now it is your turn to write your thoughts in your journal on today's topic.

Study Reference: Psalm 30:2, Isaiah 53:5, & Psalm 103:2-5
From: “Your Thoughts: Healing.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: statue/Despair
 

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.”  
Psalm 30:11


There’s a Christian song in which the lyrics state,"You turned my mourning to dancing, You turned my sorrow to joy, You gave me beauty for ashes, you came and made my heart sing."   Yet, we are still taken by surprise by all types of issues that plague us for one reason or another; and, we meet people every day who are in various state of sadness. Who can be happy all the time?

Being a Christian is not necessarily about happiness, it is more about innate joy. Happiness is normally based on something or someone; it fluctuates based on the time, place and the state of mind that you are in.  Joy, on the other hand, is a state of being. It is understanding that God's Love for you supersedes the fluctuations of your day to day emotions, routines, or dilemmas.  -You can have true Joy and still be saddened by the current state of events surrounding your life or daily routine.  When the Bible speaks of Joy, it is really referring to a state of being.  -A radical sense of inner peace that governs our understanding of every event, good or bad, happy or sad.

As Believers, we learn to live in the moment, but, hope in the future. The current events in our lives do not shape us. We hold fast to the Ultimate Power of God. It shapes our reaction to each event with the confidence of understanding that, whether good or bad, happy or sad, This too shall pass.”  -Because ultimately, God is still in control.  L. 

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

Study Reference: Psalm 30:11, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
From:"Your Thoughts: Joy!."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: Joel Robison

“And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you; take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore; meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot-breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand; He knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness; these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.” 
Deuteronomy 2:4-7 

 
It is interesting to note that during the 40 years that Israel walked in the wilderness, they lack nothing; God took care of their every need.  Furthermore, by the time they found themselves leaving the wilderness and going towards the Promised Land, God would instruct them not to “meddle” with certain people they found on the way. Since, the people whose land that they would pass through had already received a previous promise from Him.  In this case, the land the Israelites would pass through had already been given to the descendants of Esau and Lot; men who were highly favored by God through their own stories. 

There are going to be times when there are things, people, or opportunities you desire, pray for, or simply want that have already been promised to someone else.  And, in order to receive it, you will have to pay for it, sometimes dearly —simply because it is not yours for the taking, and will not come freely. There will be a cost extracted from you for the provisions you will need.  However, isn't it wonderful to know that once you have been given the promise of a blessing to come, God will not allow anyone or anything to take it from you, except maybe your own arrogance and ego.

Hasn't it happened to you where you worked on a task, a job, or had an opportunity where it seemed the heavens opened for you?  Everything you touched flourished easily and flawlessly; it was simply yours for the taking.  Your ears were fine-tuned to God, and your steps seemed custom-ordered for you. You listened intently. Then, because of your ego, arrogance, or lack of obedience, the next tiny issue, something that should have been simple, turned into a major dilemma and somehow you had to pay for it dearly. 

Take the time today to pray for a sense of discernment; the ability to know the difference between what is for you from God, and what is not.   This way you don’t waste time confusing the two; trying desperately to take the things that are not for you, paying dearly; and, ignoring the things that really are for you and not seizing the opportunity.   L. 

Study Reference: Deuteronomy 2:2, Genesis 11:24-27, 12:1-4
From:"When It Is Not Yours."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: ​Kian Krashesky 

“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.  He answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.”  Matthew 21:28-31


If God left your side today, would you still maintain your righteousness?  What about your integrity?  If God sat on the sidelines watching you, would He be proud of your actions?  What we do when others are watching is one thing: and, how we act when we think no one is watching is another. 

Do you remember when your parents left you alone for the first time?  If you were an only child, you were in charge of the house; or, if you were even a year older than your siblings were, you were responsible for their behavior.  You may have been the kind of child that lost his or her mind, tearing up the house, hoping to restore it back to splendor prior to your parents return, like the proverbial story of The Cat in The Hat.  On the other hand, you may have been the child who somehow turned into your parents and assumed the role of responsibility they believed you were capable of; either way, you had a choice, and clearly understood the consequences of your actions. 

As Christians, we are always under scrutiny. Our actions belie everything about us, especially when we believe no one is watching. Jesus offered a parable in Matthew 21:28-31 where he talks about two sons accepting the responsibility of working in the vineyard.  One says he will not work in the vineyard, but repents and does so. The other says he will, but does not. The question today is, which one is better? The Christian, who accepts the responsibility and principles of being a Christian and falls short, yet acknowledges his or her weakness, repenting to follow its principles once again. Or, the one who accepts the responsibility and acts accordingly in the presence of all, yet purposely continues to be evil in the dark when they believe no one is watching.  A word to the wise—Beware!  
Remember, —even when we believe no one is watching--God watches all.  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 21:28-32,  Matthew 23:28
From:"When No One Sees." n The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock 

​“The Heavens declare the Glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where Their Voice is not heard.  Their Line is gone out through all the earth, and Their Words to the end of the world.”    Psalm 19:1-4
​
 
When we really understand the Glory of God, we learn to see Him in everything. The first few years of my life were spent in the idyllic regions of Costa Rica, where anything anyone really needs is gained from the land. At the time, most people were farmers; they bought and sold what they needed from each other, placing great value in the earth and the yield of the land. My grandfather, also a farmer, knew the time of day from the position of the sun; and my grandmother planned her menu from the availability of produce from the earth. Like all rural people, they spent a considerable amount of time looking at the sky for the details that invariably marked their daily lives. 

As a New Yorker, things are different. You can buy whatever you want, whenever you want it. Whether it is in season here or not, is irrelevant; it is in season somewhere in the world; and, this means you can have it here.  Most New Yorkers never look at the sky unless there is something specific occurring; we are too busying planning the details of our daily lives through our Galaxies and i-Phones.  

When I read the Psalm above, it truly gave me pause. I had to stop for a moment and consider the words. Take a moment and reread the passage. Do you truly understand the vast scope of David’s words? 

Consider this; the very Voice of God is spoken in the infinite dawning of every day!  In the birth of a new day, God’s Voice speaks to the world.  And, in the beauty and cover of night, He speaks His knowledge to the world. There is no place on earth where He does not speak His blessing of day and night to every living entity in the world.

To be more accurate, every living thing, human or beast, flora or fauna, creeping or crawling, flying or swimming; in every nation, speaking any language, in any religion, of any age, whether rich or poor, must acknowledge His Voice manifested in the blanketed presence of every morning and evening—every day and night. It cannot go unnoticed!
​It orders your steps, and guides your life.  There is nowhere to hide from its presence, it occurs whether you are present or not, and continues to manifest whether you acknowledge it or not.      
             
Think about that the next time you are feeling alone, uninspired, or unloved; and instead of feeling sadness, look up at the sky, acknowledge the day or night, and say thank you Father for your awesome presence in my life and in this world.   L. 

Study Reference: Psalm 19:1-6
From: "The Heavens Declare God." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Boonstown
​

"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: istock

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens. …A time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to cast away.”  
Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 6 


How is it that we accept the changing seasons of the earth, and not the changing seasons of our lives? 

We spend so much time in reverie, not accepting our own transitions that we miss the beauty and depth of knowledge which occurs simply by going through the rites of passage that is our life. It is uncanny how so many of us waste time trying to recapture the simplicity of our youth without understanding that—that was then, this is now.  

If somehow you passed up your youth due to ignorance, intolerance, disobedience, or through the negligence of your parents; there really is no turning back. Your youth was spent in another type of knowledge, you learned how to not  take things for granted. Or, maybe your youth was spent within the ravages of war, confinement, molestation, or turmoil; then your youth taught you fear.  If on the other hand, you spent your youth as a child of innocence, frolicking and free; then, you have learned how special it is to relish the beauty of freedom. 

Each decade of our existence teaches us the uniquely special qualities of our life, forging new frontiers if we allow the wisdom of age to take control.  Reactions change, ideologies change, the world changes; even people change.  There are things you did as a youngster, teenager, or twenty-something that you would not be caught dead doing again.  And there are things you will do at thirty, forty, and fifty, that at 80 years old you’ll wonder if you had lost your mind. 

There is a tree outside my window that overhangs the sidewalk.  It has the most magnificent seasonal transitions.  Right before it finally goes dormant for the winter, the leaves turn a beautiful vibrant orange, then a rich deep burgundy.  I call it the flame tree, because, as part of its transition, both colors appear together right before the burgundy takes over and the leaves begin the process of falling off, marking the coming of winter. 

It is a perfect metaphor for the life of man.  Each transition offers its own beauty; its own reverence; its own time.  Embrace the beauty of your life; it and your age are luxuries that have been denied to many.  And, in this life, one thing is for certain; they will not come again.  L.  

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:1-6
From:"Transitions."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: istock

“...And he, trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt Thou have me do? And The Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”    Acts 9:6


Somehow, as humans, we find it difficult to remain on course. There is always something to distract us from our goal; people, places, things, work, even —family.  There are times when God governs our distractions, so that we may fulfill His Will; and, there are times when He does not.  Our goal, as the distractions occur, is to use our inspired sense of discernment to determine the difference.

If God initiates our distraction, there are no deceptions, hidden agendas, or shady dealings; and somehow, miraculously, there is no lost time. —We remain right on schedule!  Almost everyone can attest to this; since, it has happened to most of us, at one time or another.  Just think about it for a few minutes; you'll remember.
You may remember a time when you thought you were lost, but found exactly what you were looking for.  Or, when you were in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and met the person who would become your closest friend, or lifelong partner. 

When our distractions are not initiated by God, they are usually created by us, due to our own disobedience, or innate fears. These distractions can be destructive; and, they can make accessing the detour routes back to God a difficult process.  However, do not be dismayed, there is always a road back to God!

To get back on track, each person will have to travel their respective routes separately to understand how to access the detours delivered by God.  The process is highly personal; and, like most detour routes, they are long, winding, unavoidable, and not to our liking.  Like Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, found in Acts 9:3-21, the process selected by God to get us back on track can be quite a shock to our system!  However, just like Paul’s conversion, God will also send someone to help us to clearly see the new route.  L.

Study Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6, Acts 9:3-21
From: "Course Correction." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo; publicdom

“[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 our own understanding, but on our 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​
 

​"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.”     Proverbs 3:5-6


There was a debate on a popular television news show a few years ago, which focused on the age-old question concerning the presence of God. The host asked a panel of prominent intellectuals,“Is there a God?” Both atheists and Christians were represented on the panel. As you can imagine, the debate became quite heated with opposing viewpoints. The host then allowed members of the live studio audience, both pro and con, to question the panelists. I can recall one woman's statement in particular, she said, 
​
"I am an atheist. I do not believe in God. There cannot be a God because, there is so much evil in the world! And, if there is one, he must be evil because he allows innocent people to die and innocent babies to be born with diseases. Explain why your God allows this!"

She was very passionate while making her statement, and I could easily see her anger as she asked her question. The thing is, as I listened to her tirade, I thought to myself, “…She is a Christian waiting to happen.”  It's not that she does not believe in God; it is that, she is angry with God for a personal issue. Something occurred in her life that she does not understand and has not accepted, so hating God became her target.

This happens to a lot of people; even Christians. While we love God, it is sometimes difficult to understand why bad things occur in our lives. The truth is, if we can see pass the problem and focus our trust and faith in God long enough, we will find strength and understanding in the problem. Because, oftentimes, the problem clouds our Faith.

Consider this reverie; go back in your life a few years ago, for some people, it may be only a few months ago; try to recall something you considered a major problem. -Is it still a major problem for you today; or, has it strengthened you?  If it occurred again could you walk through it; or, would it paralyze you all over again?  Could you help another person go through that same issue to become their pillar of strength; or, would you watch them suffer from the sidelines?  When you look back on your life, it does not matter whether years have passed, months, or days; in many instances, what you really needed was the strength to move your attention away from the problem, and onto the Holy Spirit, so that you could recapture your Faith in God.  

If you can keep your focus embedded in the Power of God long enough, given time, you will learn to understand the role that the problem played in the grand scheme of your life. When this occurs, you will eventually come to the realization that God has already made YOU stronger than any problem.  L. 

Study Reference: Proverbs 3:5-12
From: "Refocusing."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: photo bucket

“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

“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.
 
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 

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

“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 Mount 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