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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

​"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 

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou know not what a day may bring forth.”    Proverbs 27:1 

​
What if you found out you were going to die in a few days, not a year, or a month, but a few days?  How important would time management be to you then?  I have to admit, I am a mediocre time manager. I try to squeeze every second out of a minute by wringing milliseconds the way some of us squeeze water out of a towel.  I am forever chasing the clock, replacing what could be done with what needs to be done. 

A few years ago, I was in a conversation with a young anesthesiologist I had recently met; he was a handsome man with an athletic build who appeared exquisitely healthy.  I was surprised when he told me his age because he looked much younger than his actual age.  When I complimented him on his athletic build, he responded that only a month ago, he was "this much," gesturing the measurement of an inch with his fingers, “from death.”  As it turns out, his physician discovered one of those terminal diseases involving the brain stem whose name I cannot remember.  As we talked about it, I could see the emotion welling in his eyes.  “You know,” I said, “…you have to remember that faith is more significant when it comes to healing than most people understand.  And to be honest with you, sometimes physicians know way too much.  It is quite possible that now is the time for you to increase your level of faith. —Faith changes everything!”   “True,” was all he said, and he sped off.   As I thought about our conversation later that evening, I came to the conclusion that we are all terminal; he simply had a clearer understanding of how soon his time may come to an end. 

When we follow the life of Jesus, He knew His mortal life was terminal.  He knew when, where, how, what, and why His life was to be given/ taken; so, He spent His days teaching, speaking, healing, and loving those around Him. He impacted their lives so deeply that they would later impact the lives of billions far into the future.  Truthfully, we waste a lot of time on useless issues, not really spending quality time with those we really love, significantly impacting their lives with the kind of love that empowers them to impact others.  Maybe spending time with the people we really care about, and doing the things that truly honor God to fulfill our purpose, is our true time management.  If this is so, everything else becomes filler and can easily be eliminated.   L.   

Study Reference: Proverbs 27:1 
From: "Time Management." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

​ “For Thou will Light my candle; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.”  Psalm 18:28


It is astounding how one small candle can easily permeate complete darkness, while radiantly revealing anything within the path of its rays. The Light not only sets you aglow, it highlights every item within the room. The closer any item is to the Light, the more radiant it appears. 

There is a wonderful story, from an anonymous author, that I received via email about a man who decided that he really did not want to return to church any longer. When the Pastor of his church stopped by for a visit, the man answered the door, greeted the Pastor, and invited him in. Both men sat in separate recliners, in front of a blazing fire in the man’s den, neither saying a word. Words were unnecessary; both men knew why the Pastor was there. 

As they were silently watching the fire, one of the hot coals fell out of the blazing fire onto the hearth surrounding the fireplace. Both men silently watched the single coal as it sat by itself on the ground, its blazing light getting dimmer and dimmer until it was close to black. The Pastor slowly got up from his chair, leaned down, picked up the coal, placed the coal back into the fire, and silently sat back down. Both men watched as the corners of the little coal slowly lit until it became blazing hot. After a few minutes of watching the transformation of the coal, the Pastor said, “It’s time I got going.”   Both men arose and went to the door. 
“-So, I will see you on Sabbath?” The Pastor asked, turning to look at the man. His question posed more like a statement in a questioning tone than an actual question. “Oh yes, Pastor!”  The man answered jubilantly, “I will see you on Sabbath!” 

As we commune within the body of Christ, we share in the Light of God, radiating His essence within the body and unto the world. Each Believer is a tiny spark of God’s Light in this world. Yet, sparks have a way of fizzling out. So, we must maintain a concerted effort to strengthen our connection. The closer we are to the source of all Light, God, the more illuminating we will be to the world. 
The question today is, “Are you sharing your Light; or, like the little coal, has your Light dimmed?”  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 18:28, Ephesians 5:13-14 
From: "Staying Lit." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: pixabay

 "But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid..."    Matthew 14:27-31


Generational strongholds exist in the lives of all human beings. These strongholds are passed down through a combination of community influences and family issues.  It is a level of fear inspired by many things; race, gender, community, class, etc.  I recently read about an experiment where the speaker asked two volunteers from his group to walk in opposite directions. Then he asked the group he was presenting the experiment to, to try to keep their eyes on both men. Of course, it was impossible. The onlookers had to make a choice on whom to keep their focus. The same concept exists in Christianity. You cannot keep your eyes positioned on Jesus Christ (faith) and the principles thereof, and keep your eyes on fear. Both fear and faith cannot live in the same spiritual realm within you, one must take precedence over the other. One may say, "We fear God." However, our fear is not of His power, we understand His omnipotence, but of His disappointment in us. (That’s another discussion for another day)

It's true; some of the strongholds that exist in our lives may keep us from repeating the failings of our parents, i.e. alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual misconduct, poor execution of finances, etc. But many times, it is simply fear. A disabling fear that stops us from accomplishing all that God wants us to accomplish. A fear that secretly tells us that we are not worthy of fulfilling God’s desire for our lives. Why should we allow F.E.A.R. (false evidence appearing real) to dictate the Divine purpose God has created for each of us?

It goes back to the story of Peter seeing Jesus walking on water. As long as he kept his eyes focused on Jesus he was fine; however, as soon as he began focusing on his surroundings, in this case, the rolling ocean, a perfect metaphor for the inherent drama of life, he immediately began to sink. (Matthew 14:24-32)

So remember, your surroundings are irrelevant; your bloodline is irrelevant. The uncertainties of the future are irrelevant. The stronghold that may be gripping your family, your life, or your past is irrelevant. Release your fear, keep your eyes focused on Jesus Christ, and fulfill your Divine purpose. L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 14:27-31
From: "Releasing Fear." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: huffpost

 "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my Soul..."     Psalm 23:1-3a


Today, take a few minutes to breathe, literally.  If you already know the beginning verses of the 23rd Psalm, then close your eyes and inhale deeply, swelling your chest with air. Do it loud enough to hear it. Then exhale loudly. Repeat it at least 3 times while meditating and slowly repeating the words in today's verse. Use it whenever you need it; it will replenish you. If you know the entire Psalm by heart, your task will be to actually say all the verses s-l-o-w-l-y.  Why?Because, many times we rush through the words without realizing that we are rushing through our own healing.
Here’s the idea:

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.“

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: “He Maketh me to lie down in green pastures.”

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: “He Leadeth me beside the still waters.”

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: “He Restores my soul...”

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "He Leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name sake." 

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;" 

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "For Thou Art with me;"

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "Thy Rod and Thy Staff they Comfort me." 

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "Thou Preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;"

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "Thou Anointest my head with oil."

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "My cup runneth over." 

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;"

Inhale deeply (hold), exhale: "And, I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever."

This is how I begin my prayer time. Take your time. It will calm your spirit and allow you to focus on the Promises of God for your  life. Consider repeating the entire 23 Psalm until you truly feel it.  -It will replenish you.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 23
From; "Replenishment." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living ll.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
​photo: for angels only

 "...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 been 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 on 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

  "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

 "...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required, and to whom men have committed much, of him they shall ask more.”   Luke 12:48


Have you ever wondered what God has planned for your life?  Have you ever felt the arms of greatness calling out to you, but you felt afraid and unworthy to accept the call?  Each person has the ability and opportunity to fulfill their own level of greatness. The problem, most of the time, is fear; fear triggers a sense of unworthiness, the sense of unworthiness triggers doubt, and doubt murders our ability to hone the skills necessary to achieve the level of greatness God has planned for us.  

The human aspect of choice is still our gift from God. He created a plan for our life, just as He created a perfect plan for Adam's life; and yet, we still have the option to follow and fulfill either His plan to greatness, or our own. In reference to His path, this is not referring to notoriety in the eyes of men; but, greatness in the eyes of God. Sometimes, the two paths will intersect; but, most of the time, they will be in direct conflict with each other. So, you will have to be careful, watchful, and prayerful in the direction you select.  Sometimes one will be a direct result of the other. However, because of our ego, it is easy to become confused; so again, you will have to be prayerful regarding the options and opportunities set before you.  The path you select may lead you to the kind of change that allows your spirit to brightly shine in ways that supersede anything that you have ever done before.  Yet, in order to experience this level of greatness, you will  have to step out on Faith. You will have to finally make the decision to trust that, if God saw fit to place the desire in your heart,  He will also provide the opportunity.  

There’s something supernaturally Divine in asking for the opportunity and guidance to fulfill God’s greatness for your life; after all, it is part of His ultimate design.  Just remember to be careful what you ask for; because, the Bible clearly states, "to whom much is given, much will be required."  L.

Study Reference: Luke 12:47-48 
From: "The Path to Greatness." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty Images

​ "And Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not; am I my brother's keeper? And He said, What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother's blood cries unto Me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; When thou till the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shall thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto the LORD, my punishment is greater than I can bear.”
Genesis 4:8-13


In two separate incidents, on two different continents, two young men woke up with the decision to kill as many innocent people as they could. What can make someone so angry that on a given day, he wakes up contemplating how to kill as many people as possible prior to killing himself?

Each day we make the decision to diffuse our anger so it does not destroy us. Our brain has the capability to engineer ways of coping with anger to help us with our own survival. For some, exercise allows them to physically work it out. For others, yelling is key in rehashing the incident for a resolution. And still for others, spending time alone enables them to reach a cooling off period to aid in their own recovery.  The last resort is violence. All violence is a decision, and any one of the three coping mechanisms above can lead to violence.

The exercise can propel you into a frenzy to fight. The yelling can escalate into violence. And, the alone time can move you into contemplating premeditated murder. By the time someone feels the desperation of violence or murder, there really is no turning back. The same brain that showed us ways to diffuse our anger, can now create a sense of paranoia; a skewed sense of fear coupled with anger that can lead to the murder of innocent people. We read this in Genesis 4:1-8 where Cain enacted the first murder by killing his brother Abel. Cain’s envy that Abel’s sacrifice was more pleasing to God, coupled with his anger at God for not accepting his sacrifice, propels him to murder Abel. 

Think about it, Cain was able to speak directly with God, yet he still committed the second sin. Remember, our walk with God is contemplative; we must ask for Divine guidance every day to help us with some level of introspection to keep us from committing grave acts that can place a wedge between us and the Spirit of God. Anger is inherent; it is going to happen if you feel wronged. -However, all violence is a decision. L.

Study Reference: Genesis 4:8-13, Romans 12:19-21 
Excerpt from: "The Second Sin." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

​  "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shall thou be with Me in paradise.”    Luke 23:42-43
 

I went to a funeral yesterday for a man who lived his life as a catalyst for others.  A friend of my family since before my birth, this man was an integral part of the early memories I have of my parents.  An avid baseball player, I have fond memories of both he and my Dad in their baseball uniforms playing for a local team every week.  After their game, my Dad (the pitcher), his friends, and various members of the team would converge at our home to eat an afternoon dinner.  As you can imagine, the house became quite boisterous when they won a game.  He was a handsome man whom women were easily attracted to, even more so, because he was soft-spoken, kind, and very generous.  It is because of his generosity, kindness, and overall propensity to help almost anyone who needed help, that I decided to write about him today. 

At the funeral, one of his adult nephews said, “I don’t know how to explain it, but for me, he was the closest thing to a real superhero!”  I understood.  He was one of those people who were always there when you needed them.  Now that I am an adult, I realize that it may not have been easy for him, you know, being “a superhero and all." —Always being there for all those outstretched hands; but, somehow he tried.  Although not much of a churchgoer, he spent his early childhood in a strict religious household that placed a large emphasis on door-to-door witnessing. And, toward the end of both their lives, he and my Dad would often pray together.  However, this is not the reason that I am writing about him. 

As I sat listening to the reverie of his family and friends, I thought about God’s Grace.  I thought about those people who fill the pews of a church, without generosity, without love, and without kindness towards others; the ones who adopt doctrines and dress codes with no leeway for human frailty.  Those who, although somber and reverent in the pews each week, secretly and maliciously seek the destruction of others on a continuous basis.  For many, their hearts and spirits are so broken, it is difficult for them to offer love, using only what's left of the small reconstructed pieces of themselves.  --Then, I think about this man.  A man who rarely attended a church, yet easily used his talents and gifts to help all those he could, to foster their talents and gifts.  He invested time and energy in others the way most of us breathe air, motivating them to fulfill their God-given potential.  More than five hundred people showed up to express their love and respect for this man’s life, and more waited outside while the service was in session.  There are not a lot of things I know for sure; yet, I personally understand God’s Grace.  —Maybe, you do too.

It is with the Grace of God that one of the thieves on the cross recalling his life of wretchedness cried out to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom!”  And, it is through the Grace of God that Jesus replied, “Verily I say unto thee, today shall thou be with Me in Paradise.”   None of us are perfect.  In our hearts we know our deeds, our failures, and our sins. —We can never make up for them.  Jesus confused many Christians with those words to the criminal who died at his side.  But, the truth is, we should all be so blessed.  Today, take the time to acknowledge God’s Grace in your  life.  Ask Him to continue to grant you His Grace every single day, as you go through this life.   L.

Study Reference: Luke 23:32-43, Revelation 22:21       
From: "The Superhero & God's Grace." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 "…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

​
​"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”    
Matthew 5:23-24

 
Jesus gave two very specific commandments to His disciples when He was asked which of the commandments were the greatest.  His response was, “Love God with all your heart and all your soul. And, love your neighbor as yourself.”  Yet, in addition to this, He made a very specific point concerning forgiveness while He taught the masses how to pray.

It is a concept so radical, that most of us overlook it.  It simply states that, if we have not forgiven those whom we believe have hurt us in some way, then, before we honor God with our sacrificial gifts –whether monetary, spiritual, or otherwise; we must first make amends with those people whom we have not forgiven.  In other words, the cleansing of your spirit to remove unforgiveness is so important to God, that although your sacrifice may be extremely important to YOU, God says to keep your gift, sacrifice, fast, prayer, or whatever else you believe you should submit to please Him, at the foot of the altar. Jesus asks us to literally leave our gift in stasis, until we have taken care of our forgiveness problem.
 
Unforgiveness places a huge barrier between you, God, and the abundance He has already ordained for you from the beginning of time. The Bible says that God’s blessing is above all that we could ever ask or think. So, I don’t know about you; but, I want every last bit of abundance God has scheduled for my life.  I do not want to leave one gift unopened! I do not want the foolishness of a stubborn heart to get in the way of receiving any of the wonderful things He has already planned for my life. Especially since, that gift may just be the gift that I have been waiting on my entire life.  It may be just the thing that will release my spirit to completely fulfill my destiny in this world.

What about you? Will you allow the stubbornness of unforgiveness to permanently place a wedge between you and all the wonderful gifts God is eagerly waiting to dispense to you?   If not, then take care of that issue.  L.
 
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.

Study Reference:  Matthew 5:23-24
From: “Your Thoughts: Spiritual Roadblocks...” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Maroesjka Lavigne

"Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:16


As Christians, there are words, Bible verses, psalms, personal prayers, and benedictions we profess every time we attend church services. There are songs and hymns we sing, that literally “shout a battle cry,” announcing to all listening that we have relinquished our love and life to God Almighty.  And yet, if you didn't tell anyone that you were a Christian, would they be able to tell from your current life?  You know. —The life you live when you are away from your church.  Could they tell by the way you treat others or interact with strangers?  What about the way you conduct yourself at work?   Is God's excellence shown forth in your daily routine or is it lacking?

Today’s verse states that your Light should shine before men so that all those who interact with you may see God at work in your life.

So, if you maintain a grumbling spirit and tend to be pessimistic in every aspect of your life, yet you really believe that you are a beloved child of the Most High God; then, remember this.  Sometimes, the only reflection of God that another person may ever see —is YOU.   And, unbeknownst to you, many times, it will be your only opportunity to introduce them to God’s Love, Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness.  This has nothing to do with “preaching” or even sharing the Gospel of Jesus.  It has to do with your life actually exhibiting what you profess.

Our life is our own personal and reasonable sacrifice to God. It exhibits everything that we believe we "know" or have learned about Him.  Once we believe that we are Children of the Most High God, it tempers how we act and what we say.  It tempers the things we do and the things we don't.  It controls the quality of what we expect from life, from ourselves, and from others. —It even reflects what we expect from God.

Yes, your life and personal Light must glorify God; it ultimately emits a Light frequency that quietly speaks volumes about your true feelings concerning His omnipotence over your life.  It unconsciously reflects your understanding of God’s Love in your life —whether you fully acknowledge it or not.

The question prompted by today’s verse is a highly personal one; it asks you to truly reflect on your demeanor and outlook as viewed through the eyes of others.  —​Are you a beacon of God’s Light in this world, or are you barely, a dimly lit spark?  L. 

Study Reference: John 17:4, Matthew 5:14-16
From: " Your Thoughts: Set Apart II” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Magiczone ​

​

 "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”  Exodus 14:14


​
As I left work enjoying the first warm spring day of the year, I noticed some words written on the sidewalk in white chalk. I walked closer to read, what turned out to be a very profound phrase,  “Don’t allow anger to destroy your peace!"  The quote, signed by a neighborhood artist named, De la Vega, resounded in my mind and immediately uplifted my spirit.  

It appears that I have become a fan of De la Vega since reading, on previous occasions, several other sidewalk renderings penned in the temporary stain of white chalk. One of my favorites was a series of white chalk animations of a lone fish, dreaming of leaving a small fish bowl. The first image featured the fish swimming in a classic round fishbowl; the second, showed the fish jumping out of the bowl and unto the sidewalk, happily walking on newly found legs. The caption read, “Become your dream!”  

The most recent sidewalk rendering, again written with the simplicity of white chalk, simply stated, “Praying confronts God.”  Although I didn't quite agree with the statement, I easily understood the thought behind the words. There are times when praying confronts God; however, the confrontation is always tempered by our understanding that, at the appointed time, we will understand the reason behind God's process. 

I am not certain what issues prompted De la Vega to begin promoting his or her art on the sidewalks of New York City. —A place where people tread so easily without paying much attention. Maybe it was just to offer pause and pleasure to weary pedestrians, in a city where speedily walking to and from one’s destination is the norm. However, pausing to read the words, I felt inclined to silently thank him or her for the gift of gently reminding us, never to allow anger the power to steal our peace. —Peace that we so often and easily relinquish to any errant passerby who crosses our path.  

Remember, the power of bestowing and maintaining personal peace belongs only to God. When you relinquish your personal peace to someone else, they become your god. —Since, ultimately, you worship them enough to offer the sacrifice of God’s peace in your life, in return for their turmoil.  

Peace in your life is the highest level of living; it is, in essence, a complete lack of conflict mentally, physically, and spiritually.  It allows your spirit’s communal connection to God to flow effortlessly.  On more than one occasion Jesus said it very clearly to the people in His midst, “Peace be unto you.”  —So, as De La Vega so aptly put it; “Don’t allow anger to destroy your peace.”  L.   

Study Reference: Exodus 14:14  
From: "Holding Your Peace" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Grazia Loves Italy

​"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.

 "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou know not.”    Jeremiah 33:3

 
The story of King Saul is such a terrific saga; it shows how he began his career as king of Israel, his faith, —or lack thereof, and how his reign ended. (1 Samuel 10:22-24, 31:1-6)  Although he really did not believe he was supposed to be the first king of Israel, once he actually became king, his arrogance would lead him to believe in his own strength. He was no different than the rest of us; he needed a paradigm shift to understand the leap of faith God desired for his life.

A paradigm shift is anything that allows you to move from one level of thinking to another. For some, it is the transition from college student to professional. For others, it will mean the transition from single-and-free to mated-with-children. However, most of us will experience a paradigm shift upon the passing of one or both of our parents when we finally understand the meaning of the circle-of-life. In that time and on that day, we truly become adults with an understanding that previously, we were the next generation to fulfill the gap, and now we are the generation in the gap.

Paradigm shifts are interesting events; they enable us to be in a particular circumstance while preparing ourselves to fulfill yet another role. In some cases, it becomes a type of projection into the future. In many instances becoming a Christian is akin to having a paradigm shift—your reality changes. 

If you grew up in a Christian household, the shift is actually quite different than if you found God on your own.  (Don’t bother to write, I am a fourth generation Christian)  I say the paradigm shift is different because, “In-born” Christians can be a little arrogant in their belief; like Pharisees, sticklers for the law, believing that God only works for us based on the things we do. “New-born” Christians can see God more liberally than “In-born” Christians, because they can easily recall the depths from which God has saved them. They will be the ones who continuously remind us of the gamut of God’s Grace and Love in the lives of humanity. 

It was the same when Jesus walked with the people; He caused a true paradigm shift among both the people and the Pharisees.  Each group had to change the way they looked at the extent of God’s Love.  For the Pharisees it was a new understanding that God Loved people more than “The Law.”  For the people, it was in understanding that God Loved them enough to forgive them for the sins they enacted against Him. So, whether you are an Inborn Christian or New-born Christian, you should rejoice in understanding that God will do all He can to keep you, constantly shifting His paradigm to keep you  in Grace!  L.  

Study Reference: Jeremiah 33:3   
From: "A Paradigm Shift." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty/ Faroe Island, Lake in a Mountain.