“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?  And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noonday. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.”   Isaiah 58:6, 10-11


I spent a few weeks consulting on the Psych floor of a large city hospital, aiding the staff in learning a new software program. The truth is, I had not planned to work on that particular unit; I worked on a similar floor once before and did not like the lock-down protocol of the unit. However, as I sat in on their Monday morning staff meeting listening to the clinicians recap the unit’s current patient roster, I thought to myself, “...this is truly a ministry.”   The people who work on this unit have to be spiritually grounded, if not, they would be drawn into the myriad of psychosis ailing their patients.  All of the failed suicide attempts, deep depression, and mental anguish of past and present demons
—both literal and figurative, would leave them so distraught and depressed each day, they would need their own services. 

We have no idea how many people are mentally ailing, and are barely holding it together by a string. We ride mass transportation listening to our favorite music on our headphones, our faces buried in our cellphones oblivious to the people around us and what they may be going through, or what demons they may be battling.  Furthermore, you may be thinking, “I can tell; I can see it on their faces.”  Okay; those are the ones you can see.  I am referring to the ones who are not so easily discernible.  The ones who sat right next to you on the train today, or those having lunch at McDonald’s at the table next to you. Those unseen, unheard, nameless faces who have decided that today will be their last train ride or last meal. —Or, worse yet, yours.

A few months ago, two fashion marketing executives, leaders in the marketplace for more than two decades, planned their suicides. It included, among other things, a last meal at their favorite restaurant in San Francisco. After which, they quietly sipped their poisoned drinks at home, completing their suicide pact. 

You really have to pray for the people around you.  You never know when, where, or why God prompts you to do this.  You may be the only person praying for them today; and, your prayer may be the one necessary act needed to restore their soul’s redemption from an act of suicide.  If the spirit moves you to pray for someone, just do it.  It does not have to be grand, long, or even audible; it will be your intercession on their behalf; and, it may just save them from themselves.   L.  

In the TED talk link below, Kevin Briggs and JD Schramm speak candidly about their own personal experiences, you can watch their personal stories on our Media page.

Study Reference: Isaiah 58:6-11
From:"Suicide Watch-It's Closer Than You Think." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: HDR photography


*(I'm not certain who the person is that needs this today, but please, get help. God loves you more than you can ever imagine! -Accept His Love & Choose Life!) Many people are often depressed during the holidays so, this act is much more prevalent during this time of year, even in the life of Believers. Today, Let's send this to everyone; let's try to stop someone from taking their life! Statistics say that every 3 minutes on Facebook someone is contemplating suicide. So, just share it; it really is closer than you think. 

In the U.S. call the: 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 
This is a free, 24-hour Hotline service available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you prefer to be online, or you are outside the U.S., you can talk with someone directly on their website. www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
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​“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: shutterstock

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"...But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD; for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”  
Jeremiah 31:32-34

 


​
There is a reason that Jesus says, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there Am I in the midst of them."  (Matthew 18:20)  It is the praying people of God who form a church; and, it is people who invoke God's presence with their prayers, supplications, and submittal to God's will.  We have all seen empty boarded up churches in complete disarray across our nation; God is not  sitting in those churches waiting for people to show up. We have also seen storefront churches with only 20 people praising and worshiping, no matter what some of us may think about their choice of venue, God is  in the midst of them.  It is the people who invoke the presence of God. 

Of course, the problem in the church is also the people.  We bring our egos, issues, past experiences, pretense, and fear with us when we gather together. Sometimes not completely understanding that those are the very things we need to leave at the door of the church before we enter.  Our church is supposed to be a refuge, a place where we gather to invoke God's presence.  Not because we cannot invoke God's presence in the park, or in our homes, or in our closet, but because, we have set aside a specific place to invoke reverence, worship, praise, and hope.  It is also a place where non-Believers, because of the presence of Believers, can feel, see, and /or hear the presence of God; not because of the place, but because of the people. 

 ...Architects will tell you if a building is boarded up, the building will decay much faster than if people were in it using its doors, floors, and walls. Even in decay, with people in it, it will last longer. There is something very special about the presence of God’s people. God has hidden a secret treasure map deep within the recess of our hearts for us to find Him. Let us gather together, because together we invoke His ultimate power in unity to combat evil.  However, even then, understand that you in your solitude, through Jesus Christ, have a direct conduit to God.   L.  

Study Reference: Jeremiah 31:32-34
From: "Within YOU."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: istock

​“Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and, in His law doth he meditate day and night.”     Psalm 1:1-2


When I began writing, In The Master's Hands, I really wanted each reader to become part of the process of truly developing their own personal level of spiritual maturity, regarding the Bible; however, not in relation to a specific dogma or doctrine. So, for two days each week, I selected a specific text where you could write your own thoughts regarding the preselected verse. It was done to aid you in recording and understanding, on a more personal level, how you felt each week, in relation to the Hand of God working in the daily occurrences of your life. It would also allow you to record a snippet of your spiritual journey, somewhat like a personal journal; so hopefully, during the following year when you re-read it, you would be spiritually encouraged by your very own words. 

For instance, let’s try it with today's verse, Psalm 1:1-2: 

When we read today’s verse, it reminds us to dismiss the advice given to us from ungodly sources. This means that as Christians, we do not take our life cues from Horoscopes, Voodoo, Spiritualism, Santeria, Mediums, Soothsayers, or Witchdoctors. It means that we study the Word of God so intently, that like Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:3-14, we hear God’s Voice above all else when He calls. It means that we take a stand on God’s righteousness, allowing all other voices to fall by the wayside for dismissal. It means that, God leads us, and nothing in our life is placed above His standards. And, most of all, it means that we study the Word of God so that when we are presented with those things that are ungodly, we will easily recognize them whether they are uncloaked in broad daylight, or camouflaged under the shadow of night. In addition to this, God reminds you, the reader, that you are blessed for abiding in His Word, following His standards, and devoting your personal prayer time to hearing His Voice daily.  L.

**Now, it is your turn to write your thoughts concerning today’s verse.

Study Reference: Psalm 1:1-2 
From: "Your Thoughts: Hearing." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: fotolia 

​“…I have glorified Thee on the earth; I have finished the work which Thou gave Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the Glory which I had with Thee before the world was…”    
John 17:4-5


​God’s Love is truly everlasting. Jesus did not come to teach, heal, and save only a few people, He came for everyone. And yes, even those who you believe don’t stand a chance in “&@#!.”  He left them here for you and I to speak to, interact with, pray for, and finally, lead to Him.  We know that Jesus could have cured every person on the planet while He walked on this earth; instead, He healed those who asked for it, ached for it, and believed He could do it. He gave those with the greatest faith what they needed.

Your faith and belief are your most powerful assets in this world.  And, if you do not nurture it, and use it, it dissipates. Why? Because, there is so much opposition to it; even internally, as believers,we can begin the process of casting doubt.  Doubt starts out simple enough; it is just a small thought that something you really believe is possible—simply is not possible. Then it begins to fully manifest, adding even more questions. Until finally, you give up. By this time, you really cannot believe in the possibility of your own faith; it was simply just "too good" to be true. Ordinarily, things that are too good to be true, actually are. But with God, all things are already too good to be true! That’s the beauty of God.
Prior to the betrayal by Judas Iscariot, Jesus prayed to the Father for those He was to leave behind. 

“I pray not that Thou should take them out of the world, but that Thou should keep them from evil."   John 17:15 

We must interact with those that are in the world to teach and lead them to Jesus Christ, fulfilling His desire that all who belong to Him be sanctified unto Him. There will be times when we are not prepared to go against the temptations of evil, or those who appear lost; because, we are simply not ready within ourselves to do so. But when you believe you are ready, you must go. It will strengthen your faith and your belief. And simply said; it is our divine directive from God. L.

Study Reference: John 16:1-33 & 17:1-26
Excerpt From:"The Divine Directive."In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

​“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep, for Thou Lord, only maketh me dwell in safety.”     Psalm 4:8


Let’s be honest. –Not everyone goes to sleep in peace and safety, even within the body of Christ. There are some people among us that are caught in the ravages of all types of personal wars and prisons, both literal and psychological. We can be afraid of life, our mates or spouses, current circumstances, decisions we have made, or decisions to be made. We can even fear God at various times in our life.

Depending on how you were raised, praying at bedtime offered solace. Ordinarily, most Christians would never send their children to sleep without asking them to pray aloud for their own safety through the night. Yet, bedtime prayer is not only for children; it is also for adults.  And, although it may not be considered sexy to pray at bedtime, it allows you to relinquish your cares, problems and even people, to the only One who can give us peace. In fact, married couples should consider praying together at bedtime. It will aid the dismissal of any disputes or hurtful words uttered during the day, while putting into practice the biblical verse found in Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32:

"Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath; neither give place to the devil. Let all bitterness, wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you."  

Pray every morning upon rising, for the day ahead, and every night before bedtime, to release the day; it puts to rest all the issues of your life, giving you peace.  –And, it will cover every member of your household, even you.  L. 

Study Reference: Psalm 4:8
Your Thoughts: “Peace At Bedtime.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: Sarah Treanor

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​“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


Ordinarily, when we want to find out how to use something that was created by a manufacturer, we refer to the manual; the more complex the product, the thicker the operating manual. The manual holds all the important operating factors, such as: improper use, product warnings, and any other critical details we need to know in order to operate the product perfectly. It is the designer’s way of making sure that we operate the product at its optimum. We openly accept the manual as the leading authority in making certain the product is used the way it was designed.

And yet, although it would make the most sense to read the manual first, most people believe that they can operate the product without thoroughly reading the manual. So, we learn by trial and error, never quite experiencing what it means to  use our machine at its ideal.  It is the same concerning our manual –the Bible. Our Creator left an operating manual that leads us into all Truth concerning our lives; a manual that teaches us how to function, what to do when we malfunction, and how to reset our operating standard. -It even includes the necessary steps needed for us to personally reconnect to our Main Power Source.  So, if we really want to know the truth about ourselves directly from our Creator, shouldn’t we read The Manual  first?  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: Reading The Manual.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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​"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you? O ye of little faith?  Therefore take no thought, saying what shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Wherewithal shall we be clothed? …For your Heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.” 
Matthew 6:30-33

 
As a society we have become so compartmentalized in our thinking, we somehow believe God is the same as we are.  We do not understand that our God is The God of all things; One who cares and encompasses all aspects of our lives, not just the tragedies, maladies, and emergencies.  

One day, while printing the newsletter for my church at the printer’s office, the salesman offered to take me to the other side of town where I could get a direct train home.  As it happens, we ended up working very late so he insisted that I take him up on his offer.  Then he said to me, “Furthermore, I might as well, because there is no way that I am going to get parking near my home; it is much too late. In my neighborhood, if you don’t get there early, it’s hard to find parking on the street; and, even if I get there at this time, I’ll never find parking on my block or near my home. It just never happens."   I thanked him for his offer and took the ride.  

While in the car, we began to talk more in-depth about God.  He told me that he didn't really believe God was in the mundane things of his life.  God had more important things to worry about than the episodes of his insignificant life. I explained that I believed just the opposite and began to explain my reasoning. We continued to speak in the car while he waited with me for the train.  Before I left the car, I asked him if I could pray for him and some of the issues he was going through that he had shared with me.  He agreed.  Before I closed the prayer I said, “And Lord, just so that he will know that you care deeply about all aspects of his life, please provide parking right in front of his building. Amen.”   He began to chuckle a little and said, “Do you really believe God will provide parking right in front of my house?”  “—Yes.” I said smiling “I know He will. —You just have to do one thing for me.”   I said, as I opened the door and got out of the car.  He looked at me quizzically and said, “What?”   I closed the door and looked at him through the passenger-side window, “Promise me that you will call me tomorrow and tell me where you found parking.”   He began to laugh.  “O.K., I’ll call you in the morning and tell you where I found parking.”  "—You promise?"  I asked again.  “I promise.” He said smiling.   As I heard my train coming, I waved goodbye and watched him drive away.  On the train ride home I prayed for him, his family, and the parking space again.  

 The next morning I received a call on my cell phone.  “Well, when you left the car, I looked at the time and said to myself, you’ll never find a parking space so late. You’ll have to search for the next half-hour just to find parking. —But, because I promised you, I decided to take a chance and ride through my block first. -You’ll never believe this,” He began to laugh, “—But as I approached the block, my building is in the middle of the block, there was a parking space right in front of my building! —I couldn't believe it!  I guess you were right; God really does care about the small mundane things.  —I have to remember that the next time I am looking for parking!”  I began to laugh.  “See, I told you! —God cares about everything in your life —everything!” 

It is important for us to remember that God cares deeply about every aspect of our lives, the gigantic and the minutia.  If we care about it, God cares about it.  If it bothers us, concerns us, or troubles our spirit, we have to remember to take it to God in prayer.  And yes, the prayer can be as simple and mundane as “Lord, please provide a parking space in front of my home.”  L.  

Study Reference: Matthew 6:30-33
From: "God, In The Mundane." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Joel Robison -fireflies

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​"Now to Him that is of Power to establish you according to His gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”        Romans 16:25-26


“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of [God’s] Vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”  This statement was written by the late Poet Audre Lorde; I took the liberty of replacing her word “my,” with the word “God”.  We have to assume when Ms. Lorde wrote this statement she was referring to her own vision for her life.  However, the word powerful seems more profound and fortified with God in the text. 

When we are given the power to step out of the ordinary to embrace the higher aspects of ourselves, we can opt to be fearful, or dare to embrace the possibilities of life and run with it.  Throughout the Bible there are examples of those who chose to embrace God’s power in their lives, simply to find enough trouble to fulfill multiple chapters and verses. Yet endure they did, embracing the process and fulfilling their purpose.  God never said it would be easy, He said, “My Grace/strength is sufficient unto thee.”   2 Corinthians 12:9

There are some aspirations you will have that, unbeknownst to you, are divinely inspired; times when you simply are not certain how you came to want a particular thing for your life, yet somehow the dream lives and burns in the depths of your soul, waiting to be fed, nurtured, and birthed in the reality of your existence.  Do you dare to fulfill its calling, or do you simply fear its strength, cower into yourself, and vanish?  

There will come a time when you are summoned to use your strength in the service of God’s vision, and you will have to decide whether you have one or the other; overwhelming fear immobilizing God’s vision for your life, or enough over-powering faith to conquer your fears and put the vision in motion.  L.  

Study Reference: Romans 16:25-26 
From: "Power to Endure."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: Olympian

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


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

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

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

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

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

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“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: Design Dautore

“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 that 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: istock

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​“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.”     Psalm 5:1  
 

Our Words are powerful!  They have the power to give life or death to any given situation, just as they have the power to promote or destroy others.  In the same way that God spoke the world into existence with His words; our world is also transformed by the words we speak daily.  And, not only do our words shape our perception of our circumstances; our circumstances can be completely transformed by the profession of our words. Remember, the power of your words; they have the power to shape your life and the lives of others.
 
Most people do not consider the lingering effects of their words. Some of us simply spew our words, because we can. However, be mindful that Adam named every living thing in the world, and each thing is still called by that name today. That’s how powerful your words are. And, this is just a small indication of the verbal power God gave Adam from the foundation of the world. This power was never rescinded, it is your legacy.
 
Often, your words justify your beliefs. This is why it is so difficult to profess what you do not believe. It is also the reason why brainwashing has to occur repetitively. It is in the repetition that we begin to believe what we actually say.  So, it is important for us to remember that our words are vital to the quality of our survival; it is the difference between simply eking out a living with deep sadness or living daily with innate joy. Your words have the power to change your environment!
 
Obviously, when the Bible says, God sent His Word, and His Word became flesh, we understand that the Word is Jesus. So, if God created us in His own image wouldn't our words have the power to create also? When we really begin to understand how powerful our words are, we will understand the power God placed in us from the foundation of the world. 
 
Adam used the power of his words in his household –the earth.  What about your household? What words do you use within your daily environment?  Remember, if you curse at your children, your spouse, or your environment, you are placing a significant negative presence on your life. –A presence that lingers within your own psyche and home environment far into the future. If instead, you bless your children, spouse, and environment, it places a significantly positive presence on your life far into the future. Today’s verse says, “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.”  Your life is shaped by your own words; the ones you choose to utter daily are the ones you will receive.  –So, why not choose them wisely?  L.
 
**Now, it’s your turn to write down your own thoughts in your journal regarding today’s verse.

​Study Reference: Psalm 5:1, Psalm 23
From: "Your Thoughts: Our Words.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
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