​"Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seek not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but whether there be prophesies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease, whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;  But when that which is Perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I also am known. And now abide Faith, Hope, and Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.”     1 Corinthians 13:4-13 


Without Love, there is nothing …There is nothing, without Love.     

I am convinced that pure love conquers all, heals all, prevents all, and saves all.  It knows all, discerns all, creates all, perceives all, teaches all, finds all, reveals all, identifies all, and so on.  It is the remedy for everything, and without it, there is nothing and nothingness.  It is the reason we believe God is Love.  Nothing can exist without it.  No human, animal, vegetable, flora, fauna, or fish.  It is not only God’s love for us, or our love for Him; it is the encompassing and extension of our love to others.  As God’s Ultimate Gift, it is the greatest thing He imparted to us, and it continues to keep us in accord with Him, whether we believe or not. 

As humanity, we cannot function without it. When we find it missing at the youngest stages of life, it manifests as wicked pathologies and dysfunctions that disable future adults from the basics of a common humanity most of us take for granted.  And, if it is still not discovered into adulthood, the mind finds ways of creating “love,” often, to the destruction of itself or others. 

We search for it,—yearn for it, and eagerly find ways of capturing even the most minuscule traces of it in others.  We will give up our lives for it; and we will save the lives of others because of it. It heals our hearts and replenishes our souls.  What else could it be, but from God?  It is not physical love, but it can be.  It is not romantic love, but it can be. It is a thing so massive, both its depth and breadth is unimaginable. And yet, even the most minuscule unseen bit, once offered, can propel us to greatness.  Imagine.  ...It lives long after we have died and continues to work long after we have lived.  What else could it be, but of God. 

In this new year why not move your life in the direction of finding out more about it?  Not to garner more of God’s Gift from others to yourself, but to offer more of it to others—for yourself.

Change to Love—you’ll change your life. 
                   Change your life—​You will change the world.  L. 

Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13  *(The Gideon King James Bible) 
From: "Love." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock 

"And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD swore unto thy fathers to give thee. The LORD shall open unto thee His good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in His season and to bless all the work of thy hand; and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them. And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.”   
Deuteronomy 28:11-14
 

A few months ago, we celebrated the birthdays of a few of my friends during our weekly afternoon luncheon. As we closed our day of worship, we held hands forming a circle and spontaneously, each person said a prayer thanking God for our friendship and His blessings in our lives. It was a very touching experience and I felt truly blessed to be among the group. The night before this event, I was going through my Bible and found the blessing in the passage above. I printed it out on my computer several times with the plans to distribute it after lunch the following day; however, without the knowledge that we were going to pray for each other.  After the last person in our group ended their prayer, I remembered to distribute the strip with today’s verse.

The promised blessing found in Deuteronomy 28:2-13, is a blessing for you and your family as you go into the New Year. It is a reminder of the many ways that God has promised to bless you. Many times we reduce God’s blessing to monetary gain, forgetting that, more times than not, we need much more than money could ever buy. Have you ever wondered why you are always the one lending to others?  Well the blessing says, He will make you a lender, not a borrower!  So, if you lent money to another person who did not have the integrity to repay the loan; let it go.  Forget about it. This way, God’s Word in your life is not corrupted by your grumbling. Allow the blessing of being a lender to flourish; more has to come to you.  It is part of God’s blessing. The blessing does not stop there; it covers all aspects of your life. Do you wonder why others always call on you first? It’s because you are supposed to be heading, not tailing.

And, do you keep wondering why you have to be the one to make this or make that; create this or create that; do this or do that for others? It’s because He promised to bless the works of your hands! The original form was to bless whatever you sowed in the fields or made with your hands.  But today, our fields are considered our careers. And, for most people, the blessing of our hands has moved from the farm fields to the career fields. 

Try to really understand the full gamut of this blessing; because, God has not left anything out! -He has you fully covered.  There is a caveat to this blessing; you must truly make the decision to allow God full access in your life. You will  have to open your heart so that God can direct your paths towards the specific journey that will fulfill His Word over your life.  Take the time to re-read the passage. Consider printing out the entire verse, and placing it anywhere you believe you will be able to see it; so that, it can be a gentle reminder of God's promise to you. 

This upcoming New Year, why not make a commitment to fully accept that God will always remain faithful to His Word, even in the midst of your most gruesome trials.  Have faith in His Word; His Grace will sustain you.  And, May God continue to Bless you today and always!  Happy New Year!   L.

Study Reference: Deuteronomy 28:1-13
From: "A Promised Blessing." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wordpress

  "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

​“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that hears the Word, and understands it; which also bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty”      Matthew 13:18-23 
 
As we go into a New Year, we often give considerable thought to our lives, judging whether we have met any of the specific goals we have earmarked to date.  We judge our lives by financial markers, career achievement, single or married, married or divorced; whether we are parents or not, if we live in a mansion or on a yacht, a cabin or a cubbyhole; or, whether we need to gain weight or lose pounds. The list can go on forever.  Only you know what your aspiration idols are.  And, of course, there are those who are privately battling health issues, while just praying to live another day.  We all have these aspirations; I fully understand, because, I am right there with you.  However, this year, let's try something new. 

In the verse above, Jesus offers the Parable of the Sower, where He teaches His disciples the various criteria that determine how followers hear, process, and apply the Word of God in their lives. The parable offers a deeper insight to those of us who are transfixed by the cares of this world and the riches thereof. —Those of us who are so overwhelmed with our desire for achievement, we cannot share the Word of God with others or follow His direction.   
​
When you are making your resolutions and judging your life, instead of trying to figure out which aspirations you have not achieved, try to decipher where you believe you stand with God. —Not a specific standing on a particular fault, but, an overall standing.  Let's ask for forgiveness based on the things we know that we've done; and, even forgiveness for the deeds we have forgotten.

Let’s not be like the imaginary tale of the man who got to heaven, only to find out that during his lifetime, he had failed to open any of the more spectacular gifts bearing his name that God had prepared just for Him. 
—​Custom gifts filled with countless envelopes of blessings left unclaimed; simply because, he had failed to ask for God’s direction in his life. This New Year, let us instead pray for guidance, so that we can achieve all the earmarks brought forth in the Word; and, so that we can receive every blessing that God has already planned for us, leaving not one, single, solitary gift, unclaimed.  L.            
​

Study Reference: Matthew 13:18-25
From: "Resolute vs. Resolution." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: pinterest

​“You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you; love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”    Matthew 5:43-46 
 

Well, it is the end of the year, and the issue of love and /or forgiveness is again at the forefront of our minds. Whether we need forgiving or we need to extend forgiveness, is irrelevant; to God, both are the same. When you forgive someone, whether they have apologized or not, it dismisses the burden from your life. It takes away the anger, hatred, and animosity that may be lingering in your heart.  I don't know about you, but for me, it is an “anger issue.”  I have to work through the forgiving part, while I go through the anger.  I must stay away from the perpetrator in order to work through the process of forgiving them. Staying away from them offers the opportunity for two things, it gives me time, and it gives the other person some time.  The downside of course, is time is promised to no one. 
–Sometimes, tomorrow just doesn't come.

You will have to learn to forge your own path to forgiveness. A path cleared by your own conscience and your love for God.  If you have knowingly hurt someone, now is the time to send that email, make that phone call, or more importantly, have a face-to-face meeting to resolve the issue. For some, maybe this year you will be able to ask for forgiveness. For others, maybe this year you will forgive those who have hurt you.

Yes, finally and wholeheartedly, you  will leave the whole issue behind you so that you can move into your destiny as a son or daughter of your Father in heaven.  More importantly, you will allow God to release all the blessings He has held in limbo for you, waiting until the day you make the decision to leave it behind. -Why. Not. Let. Today, Be. That. Day.  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 5:43-46  
​From: "Leaving It Behind." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Kimberly Beeby

"For unto  us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His Shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”     Isaiah 9:6


Today’s verse was written by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before Jesus was born.  His prophesy revealed God’s Blessing to humanity for the simple exchange of the remission of sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Yet, just in case you didn’t receive any gifts today, from anyone, from anywhere; remember that, YOU have already received many Gifts that easily supersede any gifts that you could ever buy.  The Gifts of: Breathing, Time, Sanity, Health, and Peace. -And, more importantly, the bestowal of God’s endearing and unlimited Gifts of Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness, Favor, Love, and Eternal Life.

So today, if you received any gifts at all, enjoy all your new gifts; but, don’t forget to remember all the Gifts that you have already received from God! L. 

Study Reference: Isaiah 9:6
​From: "Unto Us A Gift." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
 
“...Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, “Thou sayest that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth. Every one that is of the Truth heareth My voice.””  John 18:37
 
 
Thank you for sharing your time, patience, and love with me while reading, In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  This audience represents the men and women in 45 countries in the world. For some, it is already Christmas morning, while for others, it is still Christmas Eve. Either way, I really would like to thank you for your Gift of sharing your time, patience, and Love. Thank you for your thoughts, posts, Amens, Hallelujahs, Thank you Jesus, and Praise the Lord. I have read every single one! Thank you for making me laugh; and, on occasion, sharing your personal burdens, problems, and your tears. I am still praying with you for a resolution. Most of all, thank you for allowing me into your life. May God continue to Bless You with His Love!  Merry Christmas!  L.
 
My prayer for you today is written so we can say it together.
Lord God, I ask you to bless the readers of this page. Bless our families, businesses, friends, and loved-ones. Ease our burdens, and bless our problems as lessons for growth. Help us to understand that sometimes, the things that appear to be problems can be blessings in disguise. Increase our desire to know even more about Your Word; and, help us to share Your Truth in the area of the world where You have placed us. Bless us with health, strength, wealth, and the abundance to share, so that the mundane things of this world do not supersede our Faith. Guide our steps, and strengthen our hearts as we guide others in understanding Your Love, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness.  Thank You Father, for Your powerful Blessing of Love, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness in my own life.  In the Precious Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.  -Merry Christmas!  L. 

Study Reference: Isaiah 9:6, John 18;37    
From: "Your Thoughts: A Christmas Blessing." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: cdn-imgix

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.”    Psalm 133:1-3
 
​If someone asked you to identify yourself, what would you say? --Would you start with your profession? --Your race? --Your sex? --Your sexual orientation? --Your nationality? --Your lineage? --Your religion? 

As people, we subdivide ourselves into groups in order to belong.  The only problem is, the subdivision also prevents us from unifying with each other, and according to our Bible, unity is akin to anointing oil.  In the movie, The Story of Jesus, archaeologists trace specific occurrences in the Bible through newly discovered landmarks.  One of the things of interest, was their profile of Jesus and his uncanny ability to reach out to all kinds of people (Luke 9:11).  Even more startling were those who the Sanhedrin considered “unclean” for interaction; beginning with those Jesus chose as His Disciples, and ending with those He chose to heal. (Matthew 9:9-13) 

Jesus watched as the leaders within the Sanhedrin waded in corruption, basing their selections for leadership, blessings, and elevation on nepotism, nationalism, sexism, elitism, and of course, 'good ole gold.'  It is interesting to note that all these things are still being used today.  The only exception, is that today it is being done "in the name of  Jesus."  We have killed, maimed, mutilated, exiled, and destroyed many in the name of Jesus.  And, as Christians, we have divided, sub-divided, sub-sub-divided, “spinned-off,” and “cult”-i-vated many aspects of ourselves based on a single attachment to a specific verse in the Bible.

Even the birth of Jesus is a problem. Yes, we know that Jesus was not born on December 25th. And yes, we know based on specific events in the Bible, that it had to be closer to the springtime; although, we do not know the actual date.  For those of you who need to know more about this, you will have to do the research yourself.  There is nothing better than discovering biblical truth on your own!  It is so much more empowering for the mind, and tends to remain in your memory longer.

During the week of Christmas a few years ago, World News Tonight, a national news program in the U.S., selected Jesus as their Person-of-the-Week. They took the time to focus on the religious celebrations of Christmas in the United States and around the world. 

The entire world has chosen to celebrate December 25th, as the day Jesus was born.  This single day supersedes all others on the calendar whether you are a Christian or not.  As Christians, instead of trying to differentiate ourselves from each other, wasting precious time, let us instead reach out to the multitudes as Jesus did more than 2000 years ago, focusing our strength on touching the lives of more people unlike ourselves.  More importantly, let us focus our interaction on those who need to know God, His mercy, and His love, showing them the real meaning of being a Christian, and the true meaning behind the celebration of Christmas.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 133:1-3, Ephesians 4:3-18
From: "Person of The Week." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: curezone/ blackkngold

 "Wherefore it is also contained in the scriptures, behold, I lay in Zion a Chief Cornerstone, elect, and precious; and He that believeth in Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is Precious, but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the Corner.”
1 Peter 2:7

 
The Dead Sea Scrolls were on exhibit in New York City; included in the exhibition was the oldest written and preserved copy of The Ten Commandments, circa 100 B.C.-67 A.C. It was interesting to see these ancient artifacts written over 2000 years ago in the Aramaic handwriting of ancient scribes. And, although there is still controversy regarding the original authors of the scrolls, it was a privilege to be a modern witness to such ancient documents. 

The curators of the exhibit added a giant flat screen television, broadcasting a live feed of people praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem; the only remaining architectural wall of the Temple.  Also on display at the exhibit, was a massive stone from the ruins of King Solomon’s /Herod's Temple in Jerusalem.  The stone, one of the smaller ones taken from the western garden, was thought to be used in constructing part of the massive bridge that took visitors to and from the original temple.  Nonetheless, the stone easily weighed a ton, emitting a regal solidity and hand-chiseled beauty that is rarely found in modern buildings today.

This stone, unlike most museum relics, was purposely left out for visitors to touch; or, to leave folded prayers in similar fashion to visitors praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.  At the Western Wall, which is sometimes referred to as the Wailing Wall, there are people commissioned and committed to continuous prayer twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. The more I stood there touching the stone, the more I felt a deep reverence in my soul.  Not necessarily for the stone, but for the thought that it still existed after 2000 years, and there was a possibility that Jesus may have touched, walked, taught, leaned, or stood next to that stone.  

Understanding the reverence Israeli Jews have for Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, it was difficult to believe that Israel would allow anyone to take even a small piece of those massive stones out of Jerusalem for outsiders to gawk at. Then, a guide explained that, it came from a part of the bridge that overlooked, what would have been the west garden area of the temple. He pointed out that unlike the temple stones, this stone had a definite section carved out of it, indicating its original position was in another structure.
As I stood there silently touching the stone, the thought hit me. The stone was allowed to leave Jerusalem, because, it was believed to have no relevance in the creation of the actual temple. Authorities believed, since it was not attached to the four-cornered structure of the sanctified temple, it was not significant. It was simply a part of the bridge that connected the temple to the people. It was not a sanctified stone; it simply gave access. —This stone had accepted the dirty feet of weary travelers; the desperate feet of those who are sickly and laden with disease; and the feet of the poor or lame as they sat on the bridge’s stones begging for alms from more affluent worshipers.

Yes, as I stood there touching that stone, I thought of another stone that was cast aside by authorities; a stone that would have made the perfect cornerstone for the temple. —A stone, just like the One  that the authorities rejected for similar reasons.  —And then, the spirit of gratitude swept over me. 
Jesus Christ, the Living Bridge into the Temple of God was also denounced and rejected from the temple. He was also considered irrelevant because He too, offered access to God. Like the stone on the bridge to Solomon’s Temple, He accepted the affluent, educated, social elite, and the anointed. However, He equally accepted the weary, desperate, sickly, diseased, and poor.  Like the stone that connected the bridge’s path to God, He was, and still is, willing to accept us as we are; and, just like that stone —even withstanding our dirty feet.  L.

Study Reference: Isaiah 28:16, 1 Peter 2:7
​From: "The Cornerstone." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Peter Stewart

​"Arise, shine; for Thy Light is come, and the Glory of the LORD is risen upon Thee.  For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon Thee, and His Glory shall be seen upon Thee.  And the Gentiles shall come to Thy Light, and kings to the brightness of Thy rising.”        Isaiah 60:1-3
 

This time of year many Jews celebrate Hanukkah, and like most gentiles, I thought it was the Jewish version of Christmas. However, the celebration of Hanukkah is a cultural celebration where family elders take the time to give gifts to their children, relate the story of the Festival of Lights, and, to remember Judah Maccabee; a man they consider to be the greatest Maccabee. So, I wanted to know who Judah Maccabee was, and why they considered him to be so great and honorable that, every year for thousands of years, they take the time to tell his story. 

The Maccabees were a family of five sons, led by their patriarch, Mattathias Maccabee.  In brief, Mattathias defied the ruling Romans who wanted to end Jewish worship, in many cases, with the help of other Jews.  Mattathias’ third son, Judah Maccabee, led an army and vowed with God’s help to defy Roman rule and unify all Jews under the tribe of Judah/ Israel, creating what is now called the Hasmonian Dynasty.  For over a hundred years, Judah Maccabee and his brothers ruled Judah, successfully defying their enemies and protecting their religion and culture.  Finally, by the time Hasmonian rule is relinquished to the last Maccabee brother, Simon, a treaty is made with the Romans allowing a separate Jewish state to coexist with Roman rule. The treaty decreases the Hasmonian Dynasty’s rule over Israel, and increases the rule of a combined Roman / Jewish state.  The Romans place Herod I,  himself a Jew, to rule over Israel with an army of Roman soldiers.  

Here’s where the story gets interesting. King Herod I  is evil; he rules Israel with so much fear of losing his throne, he kills two of his own sons, his wife, and anyone else whom he believes might ultimately overthrow his kingship.  He even invites the child whom he believes is the final and future heir to the Hasmonian Dynasty to his palace and drowns him in a palace pool.  All this, to make certain that no one, not even a child, can claim his throne. 
For many Jews the story ends there; but, for Christians, the greatest story ever told begins there.

King Herod I is, the same king whom the Magi visited to tell of the prophetic star they saw in the eastern sky proclaiming The Birth of the Messiah—Jesus Christ.  And, he is the same king who, in ruthless anger, orders the massacre of all Hebrew children 2 years old and under in order to eliminate the threat to his kingdom. (Matthew 2:1-20)  (At least now we can understand why it was so easy for him to order the massacre of all those innocent children. He already had a history of murdering his own family.)   Although Herod I  would die a few years later, his son Herod II, would become the ruling Jewish king who would later behead John-the-Baptist; and, as part of biblical prophecy, play an integral role in ultimately sending Jesus Christ to the Cross.  (Luke 23:7-12)

Little did Herod II know his evil act would be the Saving Grace for all humankind!  Like all things evil, nothing can offset the reign of God; nothing!  Not an evil king, not an absent economy, and yes, not even what you are going through right now.  You must believe that even today, more than 2000 years after the birth of Jesus Christ, that our God can use even the most evil of circumstances ultimately for His Glory and your benefit.  L.  Hallelujah!    
       
Study Reference: Isaiah 60:1-3   
From: "A Heavenly Dynasty." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature? ...Take therefore no thought for tomorrow; for tomorrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the trouble thereof.”    Matthew 6:27, 34


I have been to so many funerals lately, that it prompts me to genuinely consider my life and what appears to be my gift for procrastination. —You know, taking life for granted and not really taking the time to live it to its fullest by only getting those things accomplished that "really" need to be done... Yet somehow every time I attend a funeral, I reconsider my life and my life’s goals; maybe this has happened to you.

Sometimes I wonder if I have fulfilled any of the “real goals” God desired for my life, and worry that somehow I am not fulfilling all the necessary aspects of what would truly be considered a conscious effort. There are times when all I want to do is simply rest from the thoughts of pushing through circumstances, helping those around me, and pursuing, pursuing, pursuing, like one of those rats on the proverbial spinning wheel. I simply want to leave the house, go for a long walk, and really look at all the trees that have outlived many of the people in their midst. People who simply took them for granted unless they needed shelter, shade, or the fruit of their labor. I am certain I am not the only person who has felt this way.

Sometimes life becomes way too busy, and our thoughts get way too cluttered with information that is irrelevant for God’s economy. We spend our time worrying, re-evaluating, and second-guessing, simply to find ourselves procrastinating, delaying the things we really know we need to accomplish. In the passage above, Jesus asks us the ultimate profound question, who by worrying can add one inch to his /her life? I know I cannot.  -Can you?

The truth is, God has a way of taking the “worry” out of life, taking care of you so you can become the best you can be. It is up to you to have patience and to be ready, so when He calls YOU into living service, you can be the very best He needs.  L.
​
Study Reference: Matthew 6:24-34
Excerpt from:"Reconsidering Life." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Peter Stewart
​

​“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.  For that, you ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live and do this or that.”
James 4:14-15


Several years ago, a friend of mine landed a job working for the city’s department of architecture.  Although she loved the job, there was an architect who worked there that concerned her. On her first day of work, the office manager gave her the customary tour of their office. While on the tour, he gave her a brief synopsis of each architect’s personality and quirks. As he pointed out the last one, an African-American man who appeared mixed-race in heritage, he explained that she was to stay away from him, then he said, “No one bothers with him. Stay away from him.” After a few weeks, as she became more accustomed to her new office atmosphere, one of her co-workers explained to her that the “outcast” was a “brilliant architect” who the management team had been trying to get rid of for years.  However, because his work was exemplary, they could not simply fire him, so instead, they began to limit his projects to mundane tasks, eventually tapering them off to nothing. So, this man came to work every day and simply sat at his desk and stared out at the bustling activity of their office.  When she heard the whole story she became even more concerned; but, when he began staring at her, her concern heightened to fear.

The day she called me to tell me the story, she was sitting at her desk and her colleague had just finished a staring session. As she told me the story, I told her to break the cycle the office had begun by speaking to this man.

“I don’t know; nobody else speaks to him.” She said.  “Well, why can’t you start with Good Morning?" I argued.  "That’s simple enough. —What could he say to you but Good Morning back?”   “But, suppose he’s really a nut?”  She shot back.  “True.” I said, “But, chances are he is just angry. Angry that they have taken away the work he loves; angry that he is too afraid to leave the job after 15 years of working there, and angry that there are others far less adept at their job who have been promoted over and over again.”   As I tried to convince her to overcome her fear, I finally said,“Think about this, suppose he sits at his desk everyday contemplating his anger, and finally decides to act on his anger, then one day he comes into the office and kills everyone. The only person he decides not to kill is you! Why? Because you were the only one who took the time to treat him like a human being!”  
It worked. She was the only person in the office who spoke to this man—every day. 

One day she called me from work and said,“Lavona you were right.”   “What do you mean I was right,”   I asked. 
“—Where are you?”   “I’m at the office.” She said continuing, “You know the man I told you about?”  “Yeah, —what happened?”  I asked, waiting for an answer.  “He committed suicide.”  She whispered.  “Oh no, —what hap...?”  I began to ask before she interrupted me. “He took some sheets, tied them together, and jumped out of his bathroom window, hanging himself.” 
​
Office cultures are powerful magnets. And, it can be difficult for us to go against the grain.  But, in many instances we are placed in a particular place to interact with individuals whose very life we might have the opportunity to save; not only as Christians, but also as human beings. In this case, it didn’t work. Yet it became a powerful lesson for my friend.  You never know why you are placed where you are, interacting daily with the people within your midst, while invoking the power of God into your relationships.  All things told; it might just be to save a life contemplating the irreversible act of suicide.  -Be a Light!   L.
  
Study Reference: James 4:13-17  
From: "Going Against The Grain." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: this-wallpaper

​"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil?  Shall I give my first-born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  He hath shown thee O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”      Micah 6:6-8
 

Why do you believe in God?  What prompts you to offer yourself to an omnipotent entity who is morally beyond your thinking and seeing? 

Years ago, a friend of my mother, a newly baptized Christian, was subjected to the atheistic ranting of her young teenage daughter.  The mother, emotionally committed to Christianity, was unable to respond to her daughter’s ranting satisfactorily. Stressed from her daughter’s questions, she called my Mother to get some much needed ammunition. Lightly minding my own business, I overheard the topic of their conversation, and was intrigued by the verbal tennis match going back and forth between my Mother, her friend, and the daughter. Between both women, they tried to coax the teenager into submission, using the Bible as a reference.  However, the young girl, a typical teenager, was quite stubborn, and savvy enough to offer a few convincing retorts of her own. 

“Explain to her the story of Creation.” I heard my Mother say. “Tell her to read the Book of John in the New Testament, she will understand once she has finished.”  Then she said finally, “-She just has to believe.” 

The problem with using the Bible as a reference is, if the person has already decided not to believe, what they read will be irrelevant.  As Christians, we believe that the Holy Spirit guides and convicts us to a depth of understanding that far surpasses our intellectual understanding.  So, if their conviction is already squarely positioned on the side of unbelief, many times reading the Bible will not convince them. Reading is for those of us who have already chosen to believe in the Power of God.

By the time my Mother hung up the telephone, she was exasperated. “That was interesting.” I said; a little curious about the final outcome. “How did it end?”  I asked. “Did she get it, or not?”  “--No,” My Mother said, “She told her mother that she will not believe in something she cannot see; it doesn’t matter what she reads.”

My Mother seemed a little annoyed, feeling as if she had let her friend down by not being able to reach her daughter.  I thought about the last statement the teenager said to her mother, “I will not believe in something I cannot see.”  And considered the many times I have heard other people say the same thing.  I said to my Mother, “Call her mother back, and tell her to ask her daughter if she can see air?  Assuming she believes that air exists. Can she see air?  But, more importantly, tell her daughter, even though she cannot see air, she will instinctively know when air is present in a room, and she certainly will know when it is not.”  Her mother told her what I said, and I never heard that discussion again.  

Intellectually, as humans, we are the smartest we have ever been in the history of the world.  We can control sunlight to our advantage using solar energy.  We have created technology far beyond our wildest collective imagination; and, we now understand that our solar system consists of a universe far beyond anything that we ever imagined.  Yet, we are still having the same old debate about the existence of God.  It is true; human beings have done many wicked things to other human beings in the name of God. But even more wicked things have been done to others under the guise of no belief in God. 

The idea of an omnipotent God allows us to challenge ourselves to achieve a higher ideal.  It forces us to examine our lives based on a standard far beyond our basic level of intellect and selfishness.  As sincere Christians, we will ultimately delve into a deeper level of consciousness, propelling us into utilizing God’s ideal of what we should be; and, praise God, not what we are.  L.

Study Reference: Micah 6:6-8, John 1:1-5, 3:16
From: "The Highest Ideal."   In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wallpapermania

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.”       Jeremiah 29:11-13
​
​
American writer, Henry David Thoreau, was born in 1817. He wrote in an era when the male majority literally had all the privileges of a new independence. Yet, he is credited with the quote: “Most men [and women] lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”   Thoreau wrote this statement contemplating his own personal understanding of quiet desperation and that of mankind.

At some point in our lives, we all suffer from secretly living in quiet desperation. For most of us, it occurs when we believe we are not fulfilling, or have no hope of realizing our God-given potential. For others, it is the full acceptance of mediocrity, both in themselves and others. It is safer to continue in the mundane routine of our daily lives, than to take the risk of the unknown, to break free of the quiet unlit embers that have somehow quelled the fire in our souls.

In today’s verse, God reminds us that no matter how dismayed we become, His thoughts towards us are of Divine Love and complete peace. No matter how discouraging our circumstances, when we call on the name of Jesus, the verse says, He will hear our plea and respond. There is absolutely no reason to go through your life in quiet desperation. At some point, you will have to really believe that God values your life’s potential.  After all, He was the One who placed it in you to begin with.

Take the time to really read your Bible; it was created to inspire deep internal thought about your life in relation to God. Use it as the ultimate tool to guide you in understanding the God-given potential for your life. Pray for guidance to alleviate any inner doubts so that you can internalize the depth of God’s Love towards you. Continue to write down your thoughts as you read. It will re-calibrate your thinking to foster action, helping you to develop a keen awareness of your life’s purpose; and, eliminate that quiet desperation we often feel.  Believe that God values your life’s potential, because the contrary would be to agree with Thoreau, and, go to the grave with your song still inside you. L.

Study Reference: Jeremiah 29:11-13 
From: "Quiet Desperation." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"For God so loved the world that, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”   John 3:16 

 
In the mid-1960's, in the U.S., the motto was “Free Love.” It was an oxymoron created by beatniks and hippies to counteract the stodgy-straight-laced rules of the 1950’s, where only a brave few married or interacted with others outside their class, race, income, status, neighborhood, etc.  However, the reality is, love does not set you free, and is by no means free.  It has a cost.  To love, is to be in true bondage in the purest sense of the word.  It is complete dependence and emotional surrender to another human being.  When you make the decision to love, and do not be fooled, it is a decision, you allow another human being full access to your spirit.  This is the reason why it hurts so much when it is purposefully not returned, nurtured, or strengthened. The recovery process does not occur on the façade, the pain does not hide, and it cannot be hidden; it is much too deep and unrelenting.

When we really think about it, who, in their right mind, would elect to relinquish their spirit’s sanity for unabashed emotional surrender?  Yet somehow, as human beings, we crave its beauty, its eloquence, its spiritual transcendence —its pain.

In our armor of love we transcend time, space, and energy; and, it is the closest that we come to truly understanding God’s Love for humanity in its purest form.  Even the pain of love bonds us closer to God.  The innate pain of love allows us to freely understand man’s utter betrayal of his first love—God.  And, the surrender, or lack thereof, of one to another allows us to deeply empathize with God, gaining a greater more profound understanding of His Love for us.  

Think about someone you truly love deeply for a moment.  Really stop and think about this person. Think about the happiest, most pleasurable moment with this person. Have you done so as yet?  I can imagine it is a wonderful memory for you.

Now consider this. —Knowing what you know about the pleasure of loving this person; and, feeling what you are feeling at this very minute, imagine yourself propelled far into the future where, you can now see that your beloved will betray you and hurt you deeply.  You can see your future self and the pain you will experience at an undetermined date in the future.  Would you still continue to surrender your heart today, experiencing the high of complete surrender? Or, would you allow the person to go their own way, not knowing what they did wrong—or in this case, what they will do wrong?  

Chances are, you would still go through the process of experiencing the love you are currently giving and receiving, dealing with the betrayal in the future, when it actually occurs.

We are God’s beloved; His first Love. The ones He Loves in spite of our continual betrayal of His Love. The ones He waits for, and longs for.  The ones He openly accepts when we show up at His front door, forgiving us without any questions. The ones He gave Jesus for. —Isn't it time we went back to Him?  Hasn't He waited long enough?   L.

Study Reference: John 3:16
From: "Freedom To Love."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"For a good tree brings not forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bring forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil. For of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. And, why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”       Luke 6:43-46 


​Do you really want to change the world?  —Are you tired of everyone around you and their drama?  Are all your 
co-workers, friends, and church members getting on your last nerve? Is it all just too much? Problems here, problems there, problems everywhere! The kids are bad, the people are rude, and it appears that life is harder than it needs to be. You watch the evening news and it seems that everyone in the world is losing their minds; and, there’s nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. What can you do?  Where can you start?  

Well, if you are really interested in impacting the world and making a definite change in your life, here’s a suggestion. It has been said, if you really want to change the world, start with one person at a time.  And, to make the greatest impact, the first person you must place on your list is the one staring back at you in the mirror.  

Does everyone seem rude to you? Then you should be kinder. When you are kinder, others in your midst become kinder. Do others seem increasingly selfish? Then, begin sharing more of yourself and what you have. It may not seem like a lot, but, if you seek a need and fill it, you will impact change. Are you surrounded by hate and loveless relationships? Find ways of expressing your love for others and for humanity-at-large. You may not change the entire world—at first; but, you will certainly change the environment around you—the part of the world you live in. 
If it is true that we are separated from all people in the world by six degrees of separation, then imagine how a change in your life will impact the first six people you interact with after you have adjusted your attitude about life.  Imagine the next six. And, so on …and, so on ….and, so on… 

When we change ourselves first, everyone around us changes. It is a simple premise with an enormous impact. Whether it is your attitude, perspective, or demeanor, when you change yourself—everything in the world changes!  L. 

Study Reference: Luke 6:43-46 
From:"Changing The World." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo:  Lukasz Janyst/ shutterstock

​"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."       Luke 6:38


All Christians know that giving is an essential part of being a Christian. Whether we give our time, share our talent, or donate our money, our faith propels us to understand that, as we give, we will receive showers of blessings and replenishments tenfold. Not necessarily monetarily, but in the form of the blessings that we actually need.

The act of giving, in and of itself, generates its own reward, both to the donor and the recipient. It is an act that somehow connects unknown people, one to another, in gratitude and love. The reward to donors is the understanding that God has already blessed us so abundantly, we have a virtual pool of resources we can offer others. 

...The acceptance of the gift also has its own reward. The reward to the recipients is the opening of our heart and mind in understanding that although we may "feel" depleted and alone, the fact is, we are not. It comes with an awareness that there are people unbeknownst to us who care about our wellbeing, simply because, they have been granted the gift of caring for others.

And to be certain, caring for and about others is a gift. -It allows us the opportunity to see our own posterity and frailties.  Like Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge; the more he held on to the things he should have shared, the more miserable he became. When he began to release the resources he was blessed with, his love, character, and quality of life expanded. The lesson he learned is exactly the same for the rest of us today.
 
When you are a Christian you develop a larger, more profound understanding of giving. We do not give to be replenished or blessed by God; we give because we are already replenished and blessed by God.
If for some reason you are not certain that giving is its own reward, try doing it today and see what happens.  L.

Study Reference: Luke 6:38
Excerpt from: "A Good Measure."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: whitesource