"…Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness 
​of God.”    James 1:19


What does it take to truly make you angry? --Tick you off? --Send you into a rage?  Are you hot-headed, quick-tempered, and able to add a retort faster than Superman can stop a speeding bullet?  Is everyone in your midst desperately trying not to crack the eggshells you so strategically placed around you?  If so, today’s biblical verse was created just for you. 

As Christians, it should take a lot for us to truly get angry.  We should not allow most things to rile our peace or push us to anger. It should take true effort on the part of a perpetrator to push us over the top. It may not be like this for you now; it may take a conscious effort on your part, and age—yes, age.  The old adage is true, wisdom actually comes with age; because, the older you become, the more you discover that most things are simply not that deep to you anymore.

One of the things I have also noticed is, although I have become even more discerning in the friendships that I cultivate, I have also become more tolerant. I now take into consideration the triggers that may prompt another person to react negatively.  It could be my words, a conflicting viewpoint, or even a misunderstanding in how we interpret the same incident.  So now, I continuously remind myself of the text found in Ephesians 4:29:

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  

The trouble with this text is, it is not supposed to be used by the other person on you; it is supposed to be spiritually implemented by you on them!  It is not that you give up, concede, or relinquish your position to the other person; you simply make a determination not to push yourself or the other person, so far to the edge, all involved can maintain their self-control.  Obviously, you cannot control the thoughts or actions of others; however, when you begin to think of yourself as an edifier of others, it becomes increasingly difficult to tear them down and quite easy to see their position.  Sometimes, it is relatively easy to allow them to say whatever they like, knowing it will not affect your status as a child of God.  In any case, you will find that you are able to administer a truce when you clearly see the beginnings of a war; or, simply walk away when you have determined there is no other option.  

You have the option of controlling your anger, or allowing your anger to control you.  Sometimes, it is as easy as remaining silent and refraining from a snappy retort; at other times, it will mean walking away with a solid amicable agreement to disagree. Either way, you win. You would have maintained your position, your self-control, and self-respect; but, more importantly, you allowed the other person to maintain theirs.   L.

Study Reference: James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29  
From: "Slow to Anger."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Craig/ 500-px

​"I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now, my eye seeth Thee”      Job 42:5


When I finally finished, In The Master’s Hands; I wanted to conclude with a thought that would summarize the entire process. I knew that there would be a few readers who would never really believe that every daily I wrote was written for me. It did not matter if the devotion appeared cynical, redemptive, lofty, or sad; every one was written with a lesson for me. What I learned was that the only way for you to gain the kind of biblical understanding that is not limited to pleasantries, is for you to do it yourself. –Study, study, study, -learn, learn, learn; then teach, and learn some more.

I had to really sit down and ask myself what the entire writing process was all about. How can the stories contained within the Bible speak to us in today’s culture?  Our lives are not about the little dilemmas or even major hardships that we go through, it is about the process. –The discoveries we uncover about ourselves as we go through our ordeals.  It doesn’t matter if they are extended bouts of elation, or basic life episodes we consider devastating. In the larger scheme of things they are all the same. It comes down to how we deal with it. It comes down to the impression it leaves on our lives, and whether it defines who we are or who we become. Will the results make us bitter, wicked, vengeful, disobedient, callous, envious, and atheistic; or, will it remind us how fleeting life is, elevating our spirits to offer gratitude, love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, empathy, and devoutness. Although I love the poetry of the biblical book of Job, the story of Job is not my favorite, yet, what I found is, as a Christian in today’s culture, our lives literally come down to the book of Job, chapter and verse. It does not matter what kind of problems Job went through; they were all devastating. Yet, the lesson for us is that, throughout the process of his trials he maintained his devotion to God, recognizing that no matter what occurred, no matter how devastating the event or how he felt day to day, his devotion to God never wavered. –God was still his strength.  

No matter how alone Job felt, and how much he questioned God, he knew God was always by his side. That’s what I learned. God is always there right by your side. So, don’t give up.  Like all the cyclical storms of the earth, your storm will pass. The question is, How will it leave you?   L.
​
Reference Study: Job 42:5, Job 1:6-12
Excerpt from: "The Lesson Learned." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: ​Getty

   " ...And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had... fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, "Do thyself no harm: for we are all here." Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas; and brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"  And they said, "Believe in The Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house." And they spoke unto him the Word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”     Acts 16:27-33
 

The news reported two separate incidents of total despair that occurred in the same week. I do not have all the details, just the results. Two men, after losing their jobs and in total despair, went home and took the lives of their children, their spouses, and then, themselves.  These men killed their families over the loss of a job! 

Somehow they could not see a brighter future for their families or themselves.  Do you think there were Christian men or women around either of them? —Men or women who believed in the strength of God?  Chances are there were Christians around them, who, concerned about themselves, ignored their distress; Christians who did not understand why it was important to share their faith in God.

Remember, YOU may be the one who will transform someone from performing such an inane act of desperation and despair into an act of faith.  I know sometimes we don't feel like it, sometimes we are going through our own level of distress; but, think of it this way, you with your faith firmly anchored in Jesus would have saved two entire families from death by the hands of their fathers. 

In today's verse, Paul and Silas are imprisoned; and, although the Spirit of God rattles the entire prison, releasing their shackles and opening the prison doors, they do not run.  The prison guard, awakened from the noise, and seeing the prison doors opened, assumes that his two most important prisoners have fled.  Yet, when he reaches for his sword to take his own life in despair, he hears Paul's voice reassuring him that they are all indeed still there. The guard is so stunned that his prisoners did not flee, that he wants to know more about Jesus and to be baptized. By the time they finish ministering to him, in repentance, he releases them, takes them to his own house, and bandages their wounds. While there, his two former prisoners minister and baptizes his entire household.
 
There are times when we must dismiss our own trials and tribulations to address the needs of others, understanding that, as we take care of others, God will take care of us.  Remember, the reason you are learning the lessons of Jesus is not to simply say that you are a Christian, it is to share your faith and be a Christian.   L. 

Study Reference:  Acts 16:20-40
​From: "To Be, or Not To Be." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

 "​Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” 
Matthew 6:19-21

 
There is a quip concerning Bernard Madoff, the disgraced financier and ex-president of NASDAQ who scammed $50 billion from investors; the comedian said, "Why in the world would anyone trust someone with the name Made-Off!"  Of course, it is humorous now that we think of it; however, I bet it's not funny to the thousands of people who were affected by his avarice.  Let's be honest, there is no way one man could get away with scamming 50 billion US dollars without help. Although he did not give up the names of his co-conspirators, there had to be others.  It is impossible for one man to move that much money without the participation of others watching it happen. 

Nonetheless, here's the interesting thing that happened. Some of the investors who truly believed in the prospect of making a profit on their investment, yet lost everything instead said, after the initial shock of losing their life savings, they are now appreciating the simpler things in life. The love of their families, their spouse, having a job, trees, ...the air they breathe. The prospect of taking life for granted and living for a retirement nest egg evaporated with their money. Most of us have heard people in similar circumstances say the same thing after losing all their belongings in a fire, theft, or natural disaster. 

The issue is, the Bible speaks about this very thing in Matthew 6:19-21, “Lay up not for yourselves the treasures upon this earth….”   Take the time to really understand the verse.  It means you must take the time to enjoy the simpler things in life, tomorrow is not promised to you. Jesus said it best; Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.  Your life, God’s Love, your love for God, your heart's desire, those you love, those who love you, acts of kindness, compassion, and love for your fellowman, are simple things we make complicated. 

Love and be loved in return.  —It really is just that simple.  L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 6:19-21 
From: "The Simple Things." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: unknown

   "



​…A man’s gift maketh room for him, and brings him before great men.”   
​      Proverbs 18:16
 

Some people still find it difficult to understand that, when God places a vision in you, He also places the gift to fulfill the vision. Sometimes, your gift is so apparent, everyone you interact with will clearly see your future potential. And sometimes, like William Kamkwamba, you will be the only person who can see it. 

William Kamkwamba was 14 years old when Malawi experienced, what the BBC reported as, “a famine emergency.” The drought was so severe that, in less than a year they reported that the “food shortages were killing Malawians,” and “70% of the population was starving to death.”  Like other Malawians, William’s family was relegated to eating one small meal of maize each day; because, the drought meant no water for the family, and no water, meant no crops; no crops, meant no money; and, no money, meant no school.

As the youngest of seven children and his parents’ only son, William believed he had a duty to save his family.  Although he was barely literate in English, his daily escape to the village’s tiny English library fostered his dream. It was there that he found books on physics and energy; and, where he began to study diagrams of windmills. He began to build a crude windmill out of discarded scrap metal he found at a local scrapyard. His windmill generated enough electricity to power a few light bulbs so he could study after dark. His parents really did not understand what he was doing, or why it was so important, until foreigners began forming lines on the family’s compound to charge their cell phones and other portable electronic devices. By the time the international reporters came, he had already built his second windmill —a water irrigation system that reused run-off water to irrigate the family’s farm. 

His book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, has been translated into 15 languages, spawning a children’s book with the same title. He received a scholarship to Dartmouth College in the U.S. where he graduated in 2014. And, he was awarded the PCI Humanitarian Award for his “visionary” role in changing the lives of rural Malawians.

William Kamkwamba was 14 years old when he allowed the Spirit of God to guide his natural gift for physics. It changed the trajectory of his life, and saved his family and village from starvation. Prior to this, he had never left his small village; he had never seen a computer, the Internet, or a real windmill.

The Bible says, without vision the people perish. In this case, those words were literal. —Starvation propelled William’s gift into full bloom. —​Must tragedy propel yours?   L.

Study Reference: Proverbs 18:16, Proverbs 29:18  
 From: "A Vision To The Future." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock
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​"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice; and be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”    
Ephesians 4:30-32

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Forgiveness is a major issue for most people; and yet, it is detrimental to harbor resentment, unforgiveness, anger, hatred, and fear.  No matter how content we may appear on the outside, each one of those characteristics correlates to many of the things that ail our bodies and plague our lives. 

Expanding on “A Gift to Yourself,” if you are trying to figure out how to begin the process of forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply, start by praying for yourself and that person. Praying for the other person is a vital component.  Ask God to forgive you for not being able to forgive that person; and, ask for His help in beginning the process. Ask Jesus to come into your heart, so that you can use His Strength and His Love in forging a path to forgiveness.  Ask Him to place a sense of forgiveness in your heart to disable any obstacles you may have in actually forgiving the person. This is not a lip-service exercise.  It is a meditation to begin the cleansing of your spirit and the opening of a more abundant life through the Spirit of God.   It is the act of forgiveness that cleanses both your spirit and that of the other person, whether they know it or not; and, whether they acknowledge it or not. 

Start by placing a mental image of Jesus in the place of that person. The very act of placing Jesus in place of the person you want to forgive makes the process of forgiving clearer.  By placing Jesus in front of the person, instead of your love, with its defined limitations, you’ll see the very Spirit of Jesus Christ standing in their place. The resentment, anger, and fear will begin to subside as you begin to clearly see their weaknesses as well as your own. Compassion becomes fuller; forgiveness becomes stronger; love becomes easier. 

The simple act of placing Jesus in place of the person(s) you need to forgive, helps you to forge a path to forgiving others, thereby, accelerating your healing process and spiritual development. Forgiveness is a gift from God to you; your acceptance of God’s forgiveness pays it forward to others, allowing His gift to keep giving in perpetuity.

Ultimately, the act of forgiveness from you is really not for anyone else, it is a gift from God to you; and from you back to God. L.

Study Reference: Ephesians 4:1-32
From: " Accepting The Gift."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: fondos animados

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


Although the Bible tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, it is not easy for us to forego our own intellect to fully trust in God.  After all, it was God who gave us the highest intellect of any life-form known on earth.  So, it is easy for us to use our intellect to mastermind solutions to our problems without reference, reverence, or submission to God.  It is only after we have exhausted every potential solution to our problems that we vaguely even consider God, instead of referring to Him first. 

The thing to remember is, in going to God first we gain the best solution to propel our lives a quantum leap forward, bypassing all those weary obstacles that stand against us daily. –So next time, instead of waiting until all else fails, why not start with Him  first?  L. 

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

Study Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6
From: "Your Thoughts: First Thing First!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: L.A.C.

   
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   "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 into 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 will certainly 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

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       "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 Philip in Acts 8:26-38, it just might be to get them closer to God, or simply for God’s Glory.

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

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

​ "And when Zacharias saw Him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias; for thy prayer is heard...”     Luke 1:12-13 (a)
 

How do you respond when you realize that God has answered your prayer?   –Do you drop to your knees in prayer, submission, and worship?  –Do you dismiss it as a coincidence?  –Or, do you simply not even recognize its occurrence?   

Zacharias stood in questioning disbelief as the angel told him the specifics of his soon to be answered prayer for a son. Yet, this was the response to a prayer he and his wife had been waiting on for many years. So much so, that their bodies had aged out and their patience exhausted. Yet, when the response to his prayer finally came, God’s response was unrecognizable to him. Instead of jumping for joy, he questioned the angel Gabriel about its authenticity. And, because he questioned a personal message delivered by the archangel of God, he was stricken with the inability to speak for at least nine months.
 
Like Zacharias, there are times when God has responded to our prayers that we stand in disbelief, deciding that the occurrence must be coincidental or happenstance. Because, although we prayed for a desired outcome, many times we simply do not believe or recognize that there will be a bona fide response to our plea. We become the lone man in the ocean that is waiting on God for rescue, yet, refuses to take a passing canoe. Then God sends a yacht, and still he refuses to board, supposedly still waiting on Him. Finally, God sends an ocean liner, yet the man still refuses to board. When he dies, he asks God, “Why didn't You save me?” To which God responds, “I sent you three rescue boats, you dismissed them all.”
 
God’s paradigm is unlike ours; His response is often right in front of us. However, we must open our eyes to actually see it. We get so caught up in focusing on our problems, that we forget all the blessings that we have already received. Take the time to recognize your blessings as they appear; they may not come to you in the package that you originally expected. Today, let us remember to take the time to fully appreciate and offer gratitude for all the blessings we have in our lives.  Since, no matter how massive our problems may appear, we know that we are already blessed by God.  L.
 
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today’s verse.

Study Reference: Luke 1:12-20
From: “Your Thoughts: "Thy Prayer Is Heard.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo credit: squarespace

    "If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”   2 Chronicles 7:14



Jesus did many miraculous things while He walked among the Disciples; yet, He also took the time to teach multitudes of people how to pray. We know God answers prayers because, we live and breathe.  And, I would suggest that, if you have never had a prayer answered, you must be praying for the wrong things. The email I received below is quite powerful. It shares the story from one of our readers who started a Morning Prayer group after initially praying with a coworker.  Each day, she led her group of nurses in beginning their daily shift routine with prayer. Just imagine the power that is put forth by a group of healthcare professionals who began their day with prayer. Below is an update concerning her Morning Prayer Group. 

​Hi Lavona,
 
"I just got a chance to read today’s 'Daily' Devotion.'  The latest chapter in my workplace early Morning Prayer session is that it has begun to spread. I don't have to ask anyone to come together anymore; they refuse to work without our prayer session... Needless to say, I didn't know it would take off like it has. This morning I got the shock of my life when my head nurse invited one of our doctors to join our prayer group and he came. At first he said, "Well, I don't know if I really believe in a gray-haired man who is supposed to be hearing us."   But he came, joined our circle, put his arms around his neighbor and we prayed. -It was awesome!!  I'm thinking about it even now and just marvel at the greatness of God. Well,... I'll continue to keep you posted."     -Claudette J.

How would it impact your workday if you and your co-workers began the day with prayer?  How would your group deal with customers, clients, or major issues throughout the day, if your morning began with prayer? You may be thinking, “I can pray alone at my desk for everyone.”  -True. However, Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there Am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)   So, in coming together with your group, your prayer will be more effectual in your workplace.  When you pray alone, you are praying for yourself and the workplace environment, placing "your" mind at ease. When you pray in a group, you are praying for each person and their respective specifics, whether you know their issues or not. This puts "their" mind at ease, allowing them to relinquish control of "their" problems to God. 

All you need is one other person to start the process. You will be surprised how many people really need prayer in their life, but are afraid to ask. Your presence in your workplace is not to convert the staff; it is to bring the Love of Christ into the environment through you. And remember, just like the physician in Claudette’s letter, it does not matter if they believe, it simply matters that you believe.  L. 

Study Reference: 2 Chronicles 7:14-16 
Excerpt from:"Teaching Prayer." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

 "I will love Thee, O Lord, my  Strength.”    
​Psalm 18:1


Today’s verse is really very simple. As a Christian, one day you will look back on the worst days of your life, and realize that the only reason you survived without falling apart, is because, while you were wallowing in deep sadness, thinking that you would  never  recover, the strength of God’s Love revealed itself in your weakness.  His Strength compelled you to make yourself breakfast. It      helped you to get to work, it increased your productivity, and brought you through to the other side of your sadness unscathed. 

Looking back, you now know that there is a process of self-discovery that no one can tell you about; it is the knowledge that God’s Love is real in your life.  It is not praise, and it is not worship; it is simply a place in time when you know, that you know, God has been The Supernatural Strength in your life the entire time. Yes. In good times and in bad times, He has been with You!  -You thought that you were all alone, seeing only one set of footprints marking all the places where your life has been. But now, looking back at all the times when you felt broken, just like the poem, Footprints in the Sand,  today, you know  that, God has been carrying YOU the entire time!  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 18:1
From: “Your Thoughts: My Strength In Weakness."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: J. Jimenez 

 























​      "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat... for He grants sleep to those He loves."     
   Psalm 127:2 (NIV)


 Are you sleeping well?  Did you have a good night sleep?  
Did you know that having peaceful sleep is a blessing? Peaceful sleep means that you have taken care of what you can; and, you have relinquished the daily issues and cares of this world to the only One who can dissolve your fears —God. However, for those of you who are struggling with peaceful slumber, here’s a thought:

Turn off the television. 
The television, with its loud commercials, bad news, and concurrent episodes of murder, mayhem, and the mundane, penetrate your psyche and change the natural cycle of your dreams.  Advertising executives originally developed television commercials to foster action, creating desire for their product, and the anxiety to purchase.
—None of which you will be doing in your sleep. 

Turn off the music. 
The music, even if it is your favorite song, actually does the same thing as the television commercials. However, they stimulate your senses a little differently.  Since the music is your favorite music, the songs trigger a more overt 
emotional reaction by prompting memories to the surface, not allowing your brain to rest or relax. This is why the best commercials are set to music. They correlate a product to a favorite memory increasing the anxiety to purchase. Again, no need to count sheep. —Just turn it off. 

Turn off the lights. 
Turning off the lights tells your brain you are ready to sleep. It allows your body to wind down, limiting external stimuli to your eyes and skin. It is one of the reasons we get so tired during the winter months; we do not receive enough light stimulation from the sun. Days are shorter, we are tired earlier.
So, close the drapes, and flip the switch.

Say your prayers. 
Saying your prayers at bedtime is not just for children; and, it is not, “Now I lay me down to sleep...”  Saying your prayers upon retiring signifies that you are relinquishing all your daily cares to God, acknowledging His blessings and sovereignty in your life. It is courageously accepting those things you can change, and enduring those things you cannot.  Ask God's blessing for yourself, and those you love; ask for forgiveness for whatever you believe you have done against Him, yourself, and your fellow man. Then, close your eyes to the world and leave the rest to God. The Bible says, "...He offers sleep to those He loves."  So, to you, —Sweet dreams and peaceful slumber.  L.

Study Reference: Psalms 127:2
From: "Peaceful Slumber." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: etsy

​"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye, being rooted and grounded in Love may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the Love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the Fullness of God.”     Ephesians 3:17-19


We have just passed the middle of the year; are you one of those people who wait until the onset of New Year’s Eve to reaffirm a radical change in your life? Like so many others, do you lose your new conviction within two or three months? Are past years littered with old resolutions that never got out of the starting gate? Or, are you one of those people whose resolutions are so weak, it never takes real commitment to make it work anyway?

Why not try something new? Instead of waiting until next New Year’s Eve to affirm a change in your life, why not start the change today? Why not start your new conviction an hour from now? It is so easy for us to dismiss a commitment that is planned for the future; instead of New Year’s Eve, start your commitment today.  Do you need to change your diet?  Begin with today’s lunch menu. Simply change your order to reflect a new healthier direction. Do you need more exercise?  Instead of taking the elevator up today, start taking the stairs. If you get tired, you can always take the elevator on one of the upper floors until you can walk the entire distance on your own.

More importantly, why not make the radical decision to place the control of your life In The Master’s Hands?  Why not open your heart to accept a deeper understanding of God’s Love in your life, embracing the decision to learn the vast breadth of knowledge that is Jesus Christ? –And, if you are wondering how gaining a deeper, more profound knowledge of Jesus would change your life; the text above states that you will be filled with the Fullness of God.

–It is a scary thought, the idea of being filled with the Fullness of God. –But, just imagine the reverse!
Consider the old motto, “Today, is the first day of the rest of your life!” Or better yet, “Embrace the present; because the reason we call it the present is, it is a gift from God.” –Obviously, the more profound truth is, “Tomorrow is promised to no one.”  –So, there is never a better day than today to get started.  L.

​
Study Reference: Ephesians 3:17-19
From: "Renewal of The Mind..." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Matthieu Bourel

 

“For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shall open your hand wide unto your brother, to the poor, and to the needy, in your land.”  Deuteronomy 15:11


In an interview a few years ago, American comedian Chris Rock said, “–Someone called me rich! -Rich? He asked, shaking his head, –Uh-uh, I’m not a basketball player; or, a football player, or a baseball player!  –They’re not even rich! –Rich, is the guy who writes their checks!”

Have you ever wondered what separates newly homeless people from the average middle-income adult? Continue reading while you give the answer some thought. 

Most people have no understanding of what it means to be truly poor due to outlying circumstances.  We see it; we hear about it; yet, we ignore it. Why? –Because, our understanding of the word “poor” primarily has to do with how well we can actually afford to live. We base it on whether we can afford a new car, designer clothing, evenings out, or quite possibly, for example, the ability to purchase groceries without really caring about the price. We stretch our disposable income to prove that we are not poor; or at least, not as poor as the person next door.  Poor becomes relative; it depends on who you are talking to, and more importantly, whom the comparison is with. 

Wealth, of course, is also relative. The Bible says, the poor shall never cease out of the land. Yet the truth is, we really don’t like to acknowledge people who are “poorer-than-us;” because, deep-down we know that “there, but for the Grace of God, go I” every time we look at them. The homeless, the desolate, and the desperate; they make us angry and sometimes a little defensive. We wonder how they got themselves into it, and know deep down in our core that it can never happen to us.  Oh? -Never?  –Have you answered the opening question as yet?   Read it once more.

Economists say that if you currently live from paycheck to paycheck, and have neglected to save at least 6 months to a year of your salary to maintain your household bills, you, more than likely, can fall victim to homelessness. If you lose your job, and do not find another before your savings or unemployment checks run out, you too can be homeless. It does not matter if you are white collar, blue collar, or no-collar, it can still happen.

–So, the reason that we pay close attention to the directive in Deuteronomy 15:11  is because, “There, but for the Grace of God, go I, you, we, us!”   We give because we can. We give because it’s right.  But, more importantly, we give because, if we are ever in the same circumstances, we pray that someone will have mercy on us!  L.

​
Study Reference: Deuteronomy 15:10-15, Zechariah 7:9-13 
Excerpt from: "Are U Rich?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

  "....[I am] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [I am] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”      2 Corinthians 4:8-9


Be strong in whatever difficulties you are going through today.  Know that God loves you; and, that the issues you are going through will subside. Oftentimes, when we are going through deeply personal trials, we tend to be at our weakest —exposed, and exhausted.  Yet, it is precisely in our weakness that God teaches us how to persevere using His Strength, not ours. It is in our perseverance that we literally become our strongest. —So, just consider it a strength and endurance exercise to gain Power for your spirit.

In our weakness and sheer exhaustion, we learn how to relinquish our mind, body, and spirit to God; and, how to truly pray in earnest.  It is in those times that we actually learn what the Bible means when it says, "lean not" on your own understanding, but on your Faith in God."

Added below is another text which will strengthen your spirit. I changed the "we" to "I" and the "your" to "my;" to make the text more personal.  Try it now; it will strengthen your spirit! —Simply repeat it; and, keep repeating it until you actually feel God’s Power.

"[I am] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [I am] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”   2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"That Christ may dwell in [my heart] by Faith, that [I], being rooted and grounded in Love may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the Love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that [I] might be filled with all the Fullness of God.”     Ephesians 3:18      

Breathe. Then, do it again.      
                                                                                       
When you are finished, know that God is strengthening you with His Power and His Love, giving you everything you need to be victorious!   L. 
​
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verses in your journal.
​
Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Ephesians 3:18
From: “Your Thoughts: Power!.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Rakiyah​

 




















  "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us..., that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead; Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver; in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us…”     2 Corinthians 1:8-10


Several years ago, I had the opportunity to listen to a brilliant young pastor speak about being "pressed" by God, while offering very specific accounts of his own life experience. The memories of the hope he stirred within a very attentive congregation, encouraged every listener to overcome the obstacles placed in their life, simply by increasing their faith.

He correlated God's "pressing" in our life to “ironing a garment to remove the wrinkles.”  It was a truly fascinating analogy that easily created an instant visual for me!  As he spoke, I thought to myself, even garments that appear to be permanent pressed still need a little ironing!  So, even if you consider someone permanently-pressed by God, not needing any ironing whatsoever; simply remind yourself that, even a warm iron used on a permanent press garment can truly make its appearance spectacular!

He also reminded us that God's iron knows the precise setting He needs to remove the wrinkles out of our life without burning our outer layers or scarring our inner layers.  God knows if we are synthetic like polyester, durable like cotton, rough and wrinkly like linen, or even fine like silk.  -So, no matter what setting YOU need, He will not burn you in the process!  

If this is so, what else can we really say about our trials and tribulations but,-Hallelujah!   -Yes, but don't forget to also say, “Have mercy on me Oh Lord, as You press out the wrinkles!"   L.

Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 
From: "Pressing Out The Wrinkles." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: istock, repairclinic

    "​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: HB Mertz