"But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest ye fall into condemnation.”     
James 5:12


Several years ago I was involved in the development of a business with a young man.  As it happens, in a telephone conversation one day, I could not decide whether the answer to his question was, yes or no. "Well, yes.”  I said. “—I mean no! —Let's just say, maybe!"  I continued, moving my answer back and forth within seconds.  He paused for a short time, and said, "Did you know that the Bible says, "...let your yes be yes, and your no, no?""  The line was silent as he waited for an answer. "Yeah right!  —You know you just made that up!" I said. "—I've never read that in the Bible!"   "No,” He said. “It really does say that."   Oh, really?"  I said, a little sarcastically, "—Find it!"  
​
​Later that day he called me back, his smile easily coming through the  phone. "—Found it, James 5:12."  As I read the text, I began laughing, "You gotta be kidding!" I said.  There was way too much glee coming from his side of the telephone. "See, I told ya!”  He said, as he laughed out loud. “Now, which one is it, yes or no?" 

The Bible speaks about integrity in many places; and to be certain, Jesus himself presented the concept in various parables so that we could fully understand what it means to value our words. As it happens, today’s passage is actually found in two places in the Bible.  A friend once said to me after some level of my teasing him, "Many a truth is spoken in jest!"  —And, the truth is, I notice you rarely say anything you don't really mean."  Years later, I realized that I, like so many people, place an inherent value on the words people actually say; and, my expectations regarding what they will do comes directly from their very own words, whether they value them or not. 

We all know someone who speaks flippantly and does not value his or her words, promises, or commitments. Sometimes, this behavior comes from disappointments in childhood where the adults in their midst did not honor their words; so, words lost their value.  In other cases, it stems from the person trying to do so many things at once that, they fall short of their commitments, disavowing their own words. Either way, whether they know it or not, it defines their integrity. 

If you say it, do it. If you really don’t want to do it, say "No." Honor what you believe, and maintain your integrity; because, in the end, it will be one of the few things that count.  L.

Study Reference: James 5:12, Matthew 5:36-37
Excerpt from: "Is It Yes or No?"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

   "Concerning the works of men, by the Word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in Thy Paths, that my footsteps slip not.”    Psalm 17:4-5  


Sometimes, in order to move on, we will have to leave something behind.  Some of those things will be left behind of our own free will; while others will be left behind reluctantly.  Like Joseph fleeing Potiphar’s wife, sometimes we simply have to chart a course that allows us to flee from the oncoming path of the destroyer; rather than, trying to exhaust the limits of our willpower.  The longer we stay, the more difficult it is to leave things behind.  In Joseph’s case, he left his garments behind throughout each transition of his life, simply to remain on God’s Path.

First, he had to relinquish his childhood coat-of-many-colors to his brothers. This forced  him to reconsider his interpretation of his childhood dream, and to begin the first step of the journey that God planned for his life. His future seemed bleak. –And yet, it moved him to Potiphar’s house; the place where he would discover his gift for  managing large agricultural fields, accounting records, financial concerns, and personnel.   

Then, he had to relinquish his managerial robe to Potiphar’s wife.  –This sent him to the royal prison, teaching him yet another level of understanding about his life.  –How to have patience, perseverance, and reliance on God.

Then, he exchanged his prison uniform for a borrowed royal court robe. A robe  that was given to him so that he could stand presentable before the king.  This would teach him that sometimes, when God gives us the opportunity to shine, it may not come at the most opportune moment; and, we may not even be prepared for it. –But, try anyway; because, God will surprise you!  

You know the rest of the story. In the end, Joseph literally exchanged his borrowed court garments for the fine linen robe of the King.  In each leg of Joseph’s journey, he learned the necessary skills that he would need to ultimately undertake the vast scope of God’s plan.

Like the relinquishment of Joseph’s garments, when we remain on God’s Path, no matter how far off the desired terrain it may be, we will always benefit in regard to those things left behind for the sake of God’s Word. So, do not be afraid if the path seems bleak; or, if you have left behind your favorite job; or even, if you feel trapped, patiently awaiting an opportunity.  Know that if you have given up something for God, it will be restored far beyond your belief.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 17:4-5
From: "Your Thoughts: "Go Ahead, Let It Go!."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wordpress

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​"A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”        
​Proverbs 18:20-21 

                     
Are you speaking ailments into your life? It is perplexing how many Christians speak ill health into their lives without really understanding or knowing that they are doing it. So many of us do it every day, it has become our mantra; a custom-made ailment specifically spoken and created by us, for us. 

For instance, “You are going to give me a heart-attack!”  “You’re a pain in the neck!” “I’m going to have a fit!”  “It’s driving me crazy!” “They’re getting on my nerves!”  “He’s a pain in the @#$%!”  Although these sayings are commonplace and seem innocent enough, they are not. They are actual affirmations spoken out loud by most of us everyday which are not conducive to our physical or mental health.  

Although it is customary to ask others how they are feeling, most of us really do not want to hear a pharmaceutical list of ailments and ills.  Yet, there are some people that, every time you call them, they are literally falling apart.  So much so, you find yourself falling in line with their conversation, reciting your own laundry list of ailing body parts.  It is infectious!  Rebuke it!  When you are around others who speak illness into their lives, do not fall prey to the trap.  Resist the urge to add your own list to their repertoire.  Feel free to pray for them, but do not fall prey to reciting your own list.  Instead, the next time you speak to someone who is an “A-Lister,” my specific term for a habitual ailment-lister, tell them how very blessed you are to be walking in the Light of God’s Love and health.  If you do this enough times, you can be certain that the person will eventually stop offering you a list of their ailing body parts.  If you are this person, you are literally making yourself sick.

Speak health, wellness, and rejuvenation into your life.  As a child of the Most High God, healing is a part of your legacy.  When Jesus went to Calvary He bore all our curses, diseases, pain, torments, ailments, and the like.  Why call it back to yourself when you really don’t have to?  Today, claim health, and speak Life!  L. 

Study Reference: Proverbs 18:20-21, Psalm 103:3-5
From: "Speaking Health." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: water lily/istock

​“Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”    Mark 11:24-26


As Christians we have been told how important it is to pray about any matter we are perplexed about or need an answer to. We have been told to simply “ask and you shall receive.” And, for the most part, many Christians can paraphrase the verse in Mark 11:23 which says, if we ask in prayer for a mountain to move, believing in faith it will move, our prayer will be answered. Not necessarily a physical mountain, but a problem appearing mountainous in our lives. However, there is one small caveat that has been somehow overlooked; one that has a concrete connection to the prayer response we so desperately desire from God. 

In the selected verse above, Jesus begins the verse by saying whatever you desire, when you pray, believe you shall receive it, and you shall have it. However, He goes on to state, as you are praying, you must forgive anyone whom you may have an issue against, so that God may forgive you. If you do not forgive, God will not forgive you for the acts committed against Him. 

This was a huge awakening for me. I realized a long time ago that the same statement is in the Lord’s Prayer; however, I do not believe I ever made its connection to the many personal requests, pleas, or petitions I earnestly placed before God for an answer. Forgiveness is not about the other person, it is about YOU.  I do not know about you, but I just may have a list of people blocking my many prayer requests; because, I have been too stubborn to forgive them. 

What about you? Is there a dam filled with blessings waiting to be released to you, yet lingers in limbo, because you have been too stubborn to forgive? Maybe the very act of forgiveness should be this year’s gift to yourself. L.

Study Reference: Mark 11:23-26 
From: "A Gift to Yourself." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: floret flower

 










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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat it again.

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

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

 
























​    "Fear thou not; for I Am with thee: be not dismayed; for I Am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the Right Hand of  My  Righteousness.”   Isaiah 41:10 

 
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Although we are the first to encourage others, occasionally, even Christians wonder if God listens to our  petitions. This is something we do not like to admit to non-Christians, and sometimes, not even to other Christians; yet, it is true.  We really don’t want anyone to know that God may or may not be speaking with us; or, even worse, we may or may not be listening to God.   It is not because our love is in question; it has more to do with our human frailty—our inquisitive nature.  The inquisitive nature that got us into trouble in the first place; those imposing, nagging questions that were created by sin to disrupt our armor of faith. 

We question our certainty that God will come through for us; we wonder whether He will come through in time, and we consume time querying what the outcome will be.  Because of our human frailty, we forget that in God’s economy, the outcome is simply a by-product of the process, even though the process is the part most of us would prefer to skip. 

In this era of our “faster is better” culture, it is difficult to wait for anything.  Yet the slowness of the process is precisely the part that builds our fortitude—it molds and strengthens our character closer to the character of Jesus.  The same goes for your individual circumstance.  Your circumstance is part of the journey, and the journey is part of the process. 

Wherever you are in your journey with God, embrace the process.  Do not bother to try to rush through it; you will only get out of it after you have learned the necessary lesson or lessons to move on.  Learn to strengthen your armor of faith, so like the many characters in the Bible, you get through the process armed with the lessons you have learned for the next leg of the journey. Remember, Jesus has not left you; He is simply leading the way and waiting for you.  L.   

Study Reference: Isaiah 41:10  
From: "Embracing The Process. (I)" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wordpress

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


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

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

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

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

  “Turn you at My reproof; behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known My Words unto you.”
 Proverbs 1:23


God can use anyone or anything for His purpose. 

He used a raven to feed a prophet. 
He used a donkey to speak to a disobedient seer. 
He used Moses, a stutterer, to speak to a king.
He used Samuel, a child, to speak to a priest.
He used Samson, a disobedient fornicator, to send a message 
to His enemies.
He used Rahab, a prostitute, to save two soldiers. 
He used a wayward woman at a well, to evangelize to an entire city. 
And, He used Paul, a murdering zealot, to write much of The New Testament.
God can use the disobedient, the lawless, the prisoner, the drunkard, the liar, the blind, the intellect, the religious, the ignorant, the hated, the politician, the lowly, the teacher, the student, an executive, or a king; for His purpose. 
—​He can even use YOU.

There's really nothing that can stop you from being used by the Love of God. –Except maybe, YOU. 
–Just a little something for you to consider the next time, —​before  you decide to say, “No.”  L.

Study Reference: Proverbs 1:22-23, 3:7, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
From: “Your Thoughts: Anyone or Anything.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

​   "I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by My name; for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”      
​Isaiah 43:6-7


In today’s culture, everything is changeable; even human beings can surgically morph into someone else with the artistry of a plastic surgeon’s scalpel. Let’s be real. We castigated Michael Jackson for altering his distinctly African features into something even more unique; however, if we had Michael Jackson’s wealth we would eagerly change the things we find reprehensible about our own unique features. 

... Wouldn't it be great if we accepted each other’s unique beauty, acknowledging it as a gift from God? Take a look at the animals, we marvel at their unique features and regard their differences within their given species as a gift of rare beauty. We are no different, except we have the knowledge to imperfect God’s perfection in humanity with our ingratitude and ignorance.

Whoever you are, today take the time to look in a mirror and acknowledge that you are uniquely beautiful! You were not created to look like everyone else! The Bible says God knew you before you were formed, and took the time to number every hair on your head. Believe in your uniqueness, and that there is someone just for you who will love you exactly the way you were originally created by God. L.

Study Reference: Matthew 10:30-31, Isaiah 43:6-7 
Excerpt from: " Loving Yourself As Is." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

   


















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


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

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

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

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

"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 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 gave us 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

 "Nevertheless, My loving kindness will I not take away from you; nor suffer My faithfulness to fail, My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips."     Psalm 89:33-34


Throughout the Bible, there were many instances where God prophesied a future occurrence in the lives of His people. He did so in the lives of Abraham, Samson, David, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Mary, to name a few.  Yet, they all had to wait to see the manifestation of His promise.  Why should you be any different?

Sometimes, we will receive a vision of a future event in our lives while we are still in the midst of an arduous or trialing situation. We remember the prophecy; and yet, it appears as though it will never manifest. Then, we somehow get the inclination that we should help God in producing the vision, and so we do not wait for God’s direction; only to find out, our timing was completely off.  Our waiting becomes a burden, our trust in God becomes an issue, and disappointment appears to become our closest friend. -However, do not be dismayed.

You received the vision so you would not lose faith. It was a key; a look into your own future to offer hope, patience, and strength when those arduous and trialing times became way too burdensome. God promised you a better future and will not falter.

According to today’s verse, even on the worse days when your trust and faith is at its lowest, God says, He will not take His loving-kindness from you. His faithfulness will not fail, and nothing that He has promised you will He alter from your life. It is right there in your Bible in black and white. –Hallelujah!  –Isn't that a terrific prophecy for your life!   L.

Study Reference: Psalm 89:33-34
From: "A Prophecy In Your Life."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock /Faroe Island

  "Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”    Mark 11:24-26


As Christians we have been told how important it is to pray about any matter we are perplexed about or need an answer to; and, we have been told to simply “ask and you shall receive.”  For the most part, many Christians can paraphrase the verse in Mark 11:23 which says, if we ask in prayer for a mountain to move, believing in faith it will move, our prayer will be answered. Not necessarily a physical mountain, but a problem appearing mountainous in our lives. However, there is one small caveat that has been somehow overlooked; one that has a concrete connection to the prayer response we so desperately desire from God. 

In the selected verse above, Jesus begins the verse by saying whatever you desire, when you pray, believe you shall receive it, and you shall have it. However, He goes on to state, as you are praying, you must forgive anyone whom you may have an issue against, so that God may forgive you. If you do not forgive, God will not forgive you for the acts committed against Him. 

This was a huge awakening for me. I realized a long time ago that the same statement is in the Lord’s Prayer; however, I do not believe I ever made its connection to the many personal requests, pleas, or petitions I earnestly placed before God for an answer. Forgiveness is not about the other person, it is about YOU.  I do not know about you, but I just may have a list of people blocking my many prayer requests; because, I have been too stubborn to forgive them. 

What about you? Is there a dam filled with blessings waiting to be released to you, yet lingers in limbo, because you have been too stubborn to forgive? Maybe the very act of forgiveness should be this year’s gift to yourself. L.

Study Reference: Mark 11:23-26 
From: "A Gift to Yourself."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wild at heart

​“Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith produces patience.”   
James 1:2-3


Patience is one of the hardest things for us as Christians; and, God works with us on a continuous basis to learn the art of patience.  The issue with patience is, our time is limited. We want, what we want, now, not later. It is indicative of our generation. We have learned how to make things faster, streamlining as many things as possible, taking out some of the extraordinary to make room for the mundane and the ordinary. We have become so accustomed to the basic, when we see something just a little above ordinary, we are inspired. 

Take a look around; we have fast food, fast lanes, quick-dry, instant-this, and instant-that.  Gone are the days of slow-brewed, slow-broiled, homemade, and hand-done. The problem is, although we want everything as quickly as possible, God’s timing is still the same.  A day is still 24 hours; and, one year is still 365 days, give or take a leap year.  And although calendar days were originally named by men, “the rising of the sun and the going down of the same,” still represents one day. God’s original clock works on a schedule, both for days and for human beings. This has not changed since the beginning of time.

For most of us, patience is a problem; I am no different. If I could walk faster without running, type faster without practicing, and learn more without studying, I am certain I would sign up in a minute. But the truth is, everything takes time—everything.  We are the decision makers of what we do with our time.  Even when we seemingly have no choice, we have a choice.  We have the choice to work and be miserable, or to work and be thankful.  We have the choice to wait on line with patience, while doing something that interest us, or wait in line tapping our foot and complaining about the slowness of the process.  We have the choice to spend our time with people we love, or waste it with mundane onlookers who could care less about our life. We have the choice to learn something new every day, expanding the horizon of our knowledge; or to sit back comfortably believing we know everything we need to know in this life, remaining closed-minded and archaic.  

...Learn to have patience. Patience with what you do, with whom you love, with what you learn, and more importantly, with God. God answers all prayers necessary for you to have the best of the life you have chosen for yourself. Respect those things not chosen for you and understand that somehow they are not distributed to you for a reason. Acknowledge those things placed in your life, taking the time to reflect backwards so you can learn how certain decisions made in the past have resulted in the here and now. Have patience. Patience removes fear. Be patient; for God created time, and time always wins whether you are patient or not.  -L. 

Study Reference: James 1:2-3
Excerpt from: "Patience:" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Peter Gridley / Getty

       
















“My sheep hear My Voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”   John 10:27
​

There are thought patterns governing our lives on a continuous basis. Although some inner thoughts are placed there by society, friends, foes, and family; the majority of them are primarily governed and manufactured by us. These thoughts can be more powerful than our spoken words, and can cause more damage to us than our most lethal enemy. The kind of thoughts we have can literally mean the difference between success and failure; happiness and depression; righteousness and wickedness; even life or death. 

Working on a project in the psychiatric unit for an out of town hospital, I saw patients that routinely heard voices urging them to commit suicide.  Voices that were so outspoken and unrelenting, some patients would routinely sit for hours at a time speaking out loud—responding to an unseen person.  Most of us would consider them nuts. However, the thing to remember is, we all have those voices; those nagging little inner thoughts that can bombard our lives telling us how bad we are, or how incompetent we are at something. It is the classic image of the little angel and the devil’s imp sitting on your shoulder urging you to opt between good and evil. For some people, the imp has taken possession over their lives. They have allowed those negative thoughts to gain full access so often, there is no room for the thoughts of goodness released by God.  Still, there are some people reading this today that somehow think they cannot relate to the people who hear voices urging them to harm themselves or others.  Yet the truth is, we hear the same thoughts all the time: 

“You are no good!” “You’re too fat” “You’re too skinny!” “You’re so unattractive no one will love you!” “Ugly!” “Stupid!” “You never get anything right!” “You can’t do that!” “You’re an idiot!” “Who told you—you could do that!” “You’ll never amount to anything!” “You are better off dead!” “No one loves you! —No one ever will!”

They are all lies, lies, and more lies. There are tons of these negative, self-deprecating, non-affirming mantras we say to ourselves every day —words that come directly from the pits of hell that should have no life in the mind of a Christian.  Jesus gave us the WORD to live by when we find ourselves lost and struggling to maintain a positive attitude and outlook. These words have truth and the power to enforce us with the knowledge that He alone speaks to us. He alone has conquered all other voices; and, if we allow His Voice to take precedence in our lives, it will negate any negative power over us. He will never leave us or forsake us, and most of all, He loves us more than we could possibly ever imagine. 

We are called by His Name, and hear His Voice.  It is not that we cannot fall prey to the voice of the imps around us; it is that we should never allow any other voice to take precedence in our lives, even if that voice, with all its negative overtones, clearly sounds like our own.  L.

Study Reference: John 10:11-14, 10:27
Excerpt from: "Thinking Out Loud." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

 
"And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”   Exodus 17:11-12



There are times in your life when you will have to accept the help of others to accomplish a task God has asked of you. The story of Moses on the mountain, raising his staff against the Amalekites to win the battle, helps us to understand the acceptance of help from others when we need it.

As part of Moses’ covenant with God, he was to use his staff as a means of accomplishing various tasks for God. We have all seen the scene in the movie, The Ten Commandments, where his staff is used to devour the snakes of Pharaoh. Moses’ staff would prove God over and over again. Yet, in the first battle against the Amalekites, as Moses stands on the mountain with his staff raised high, his hands begin to tire; and, like any of us, he eventually has to drop his arms to his side out of fatigue. The problem is, every time he does so, the Amalekites begin winning the battle. Noticing the problem, Aaron and Hur, who were on the mountain with him, sit him down on a rock; and, with each man on either side of him,THEY  hold up his hands for him and Joshua's army goes on to defeat the Amalekites. It is a great example of kinship, friendship, honor, respect, love and teamwork, used to win a battle.

Sometimes there are things we must do alone that God will ask of us for our own growth as individuals.  And, there are times when God will need for us to work with others because, working alone is simply not enough to accomplish the task. The Bible says, Moses’ “hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” 

Remember, true friendships are sacred; true friends will find a way to help, even if they have to use their hands to hold up your  hands as part of the process.  L.

Study Reference: Exodus 17:11-15 
From: "Accepting Help." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bigstock

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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