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This Week's Thought:
The Human Genome
“For if you love them which love you, what thank have you? For sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you? For sinners also do even the same. …But love your enemies and do good and lend, hoping for nothing in return and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest, for He is kind unto the unthankful and the evil.” Luke 6:32-33 & 35
The Human Genome Project is a relatively new science determined to unlock the “code to human life” as we know it. Not simply the double helix we have become familiar with, but a science much deeper and much more complex. With the emergence of 21st century computer technology, scientists gained the ability to reduce DNA sequencing down to a single molecule. More importantly, the genome project has cracked the genetic code giving scientists the ability to probe the unique code God ordained to create each person. It is a fascinating technology which will offer each person the opportunity to understand his/her own personal blueprint of genetic strengths, weaknesses, or potential flaws. And, while there are some people who will seek to create “designer babies,” most people will simply want to understand how to live the best life they can with the genetic cards they have been dealt. Currently, only the wealthy can afford to know their genomic past and some of the predetermined hazards of their potential genomic future. However, in the near future, the cost is scheduled to drop significantly. Obviously, no one can determine, even after all that probing, planning, and knowledge, if you will fall prey to a freak accident or major disaster but, God. —So, heed any predictions carefully and prayerfully.
What’s even more interesting about the human genome is, unlike fingerprints which uniquely separate us from everyone else in the world, our genome connects us to all other people in the world. From a historical standpoint, genetic scientists can also identify every living cousin, or our nearest living relatives around the world. Even more fascinating, is that these scientists have already mapped the origin of humanity’s existence back to Africa; and, as shocking as it will be to some people, back to Africans, not apes.
By now, you must be wondering, “What does all of this have to do with Jesus?” Well, while thinking about the ancestral mapping of the human genome, and its ability to give us historical data relating to every ancestor we have ever had. —Not to mention, every common ancestor between us and every living human being on the earth today; consider this. With so much hate between entire nations, various races, opposing religions, countless ideals, and ideologies; ask yourself this question. What will you do when you find out that your closest living relative, other than the ones you already know, is someone who, on the surface, seemingly does not look like you, yet is your ancestral genetic replica on the inside?
What will you do when you find out that your blood relatives are African, Caucasian, or Asian? What about German or French, Armenian or Turkish, Serb or Croatian, Ethiopian or Eritrean? As for religions, we know that Muslims and Jews are genetic and biblical cousins; Jews and Christians are genetic and biblical brothers and sisters; all separated by interpretation and misinterpretations of the Old & New Testaments. —And, we haven’t even touched all of the subdivisions of various other religions created based on culture and tradition.
In Luke 6:32, Jesus said that loving someone who loves you is unremarkable; everyone does so, even the wicked. And repaying goodness with goodness, is also unremarkable, everyone does it, even those that are evil.
Our love of Jesus Christ separates us as His chosen nation, one that follows a very specific and ordained dogma. We have sworn our allegiance to God, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, showing love not because our neighbor loved us first; but, because God said, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!”
Yes, you have been set aside to show His marvelous Light to the world. So, if you really want to do something absolutely remarkable, something so extraordinary that Jesus said it would prove that you are His true follower; offer goodness and Love toward those who you will receive nothing from in return—except maybe, wonderment and awe. L.
Study Reference: Luke 6:31-36, 1 Peter 2:9
From: "The Human Genome." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Quiet Desperation
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
American writer, Henry David Thoreau, was born in 1817. He wrote in an era when the male majority literally had all the privileges of a new independence. Yet, he is credited with the quote: “Most men [and women] lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Thoreau wrote this statement contemplating his own personal understanding of quiet desperation and that of mankind.
At some point in our lives, we all suffer from secretly living in quiet desperation. For most of us, it occurs when we believe we are not fulfilling, or have no hope of realizing our God-given potential. For others, it is the full acceptance of mediocrity, both in themselves and others. It is safer to continue in the mundane routine of our daily lives, than to take the risk of the unknown to break free of the quiet unlit embers that have somehow quelled the fire in our souls.
In today’s verse, God reminds us that no matter how dismayed we become, His thoughts towards us are of Divine Love and complete peace. No matter how discouraging our circumstances, when we call on the name of Jesus, the verse says, He will hear our plea and respond. There is absolutely no reason to go through your life in quiet desperation. At some point, you will have to really believe that God values your life’s potential. After all, He was the One who placed it in you to begin with.
Take the time to really read your Bible; it was created to inspire deep internal thought about your life in relation to God. Use it as the ultimate tool to guide you in understanding the God-given potential for your life. Pray for guidance to alleviate any inner doubts so that you can internalize the depth of God’s Love towards you. Continue to write down your thoughts as you read. It will recalibrate your thinking to foster action, helping you to develop a keen awareness of your life’s purpose; and, eliminate that quiet desperation we often feel. Believe that God values your life’s potential, because the contrary would be to agree with Thoreau, and, go to the grave with your song still inside you. L.
Study Reference: Jeremiah 29:11-13
From: "Quiet Desperation." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Changing The World
“For a good tree brings not forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bring forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil. For of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. And, why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:43-46
Do you really want to change the world? —Are you tired of everyone around you and their drama? --Are all your co-workers, friends, and church members getting on your last nerve? --Is it all just too much? Problems here, problems there, problems everywhere! The kids are bad, the people are rude, and it appears that life is harder than it needs to be. You watch the evening news and it seems that everyone in the world is losing their minds; and, there’s nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. --What can you do? --Where can you start?
Well, if you are really interested in impacting the world and making a definite change in your life, here’s a suggestion. It has been said, if you really want to change the world, start with one person at a time. And, to make the greatest impact, the first person you must place on your list is the one staring back at you in the mirror.
Does everyone seem rude to you? Then you should be kinder. When you are kinder, others in your midst become kinder. Do others seem increasingly selfish? Then, begin sharing more of yourself and what you have. It may not seem like a lot, but, if you seek a need and fill it, you will impact change. Are you surrounded by hate and loveless relationships? Find ways of expressing your love for others and for humanity-at-large. You may not change the entire world—at first; but, you will certainly change the environment around you—the part of the world you live in. If it is true that we are separated from all people in the world by six degrees of separation, then imagine how a change in your life will impact the first six people you interact with after you have adjusted your attitude about life. Imagine the next six. --And, so on …and, so on ….and, so on…
When we change ourselves first, everyone around us changes. It is a simple premise with an enormous impact. Whether it is your attitude, perspective, or demeanor, when you change yourself--everything in the world changes! L.
Study Reference: Luke 6:43-46
From:"Changing The World." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
LOVE...
“...Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but whether there be prophesies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease, whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; But when that which is Perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I also am known. And now abide Faith, Hope, and Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Without love, there is nothing …There is nothing, without love.
I am convinced that pure Love conquers all, heals all, prevents all, and saves all. It knows all, discerns all, creates all, perceives all, teaches all, finds all, reveals all, identifies all, and so on. It is the remedy for everything, and without it, there is nothing and nothingness. It is the reason we believe God is Love. Nothing can exist without it. No human, animal, vegetable, flora, fauna, or fish. It is not only God’s Love for us, or our love for Him; it is the encompassing and extension of our love to others. As God’s Ultimate Gift, it is the greatest thing He imparted to us, and it continues to keep us in accord with Him, whether we believe or not.
As humanity, we cannot function without it. When we find it missing at the youngest stages of life, it manifests as wicked pathologies and dysfunctions that disable future adults from the basics of a common humanity most of us take for granted. And, if it is still not discovered into adulthood, the mind finds ways of creating “love,” often, to the destruction of itself or others.
We search for it,—yearn for it, and eagerly find ways of capturing even the most minuscule traces of it in others. We will give up our lives for it; and we will save the lives of others because of it. It heals our hearts and replenishes our souls. What else could it be, but from God? It is not physical love, but it can be. It is not romantic love, but it can be. It is a thing so massive, both its depth and breadth is unimaginable. And yet, even the most minuscule unseen bit, once offered, can propel us to greatness. Imagine. ...It lives long after we have died and continues to work long after we have lived. What else could it be, but of God.
As we welcome this New Year why not move your life in the direction of finding out more about it? Not to garner more of God’s Gift from others to yourself, but to offer more of it to others—for yourself.
Change to Love—you’ll change your life.
Change your life—You will change the world. L.
Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13* (The Gideon King James Bible)
From: "Love..." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Freedom to Love
“For God so Loved the world that, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
In the mid-1960's, in the U.S., the motto was “Free Love.” It was an oxymoron created by beatniks and hippies to counteract the stodgy-straight-laced rules of the 1950’s, where only a brave few married or interacted with others outside their class, race, income, status, neighborhood, etc. However, the reality is, love does not set you free, and is by no means free. It has a cost. To love, is to be in true bondage in the purest sense of the word. It is complete dependence and emotional surrender to another human being. When you make the decision to love, and do not be fooled, it is a decision, you allow another human being full access to your spirit. This is the reason why it hurts so much when it is purposefully not returned, nurtured, or strengthened. The recovery process does not occur on the façade, the pain does not hide, and it cannot be hidden; it is much too deep and unrelenting.
When we really think about it, who, in their right mind, would elect to relinquish their spirit’s sanity for unabashed emotional surrender? Yet somehow, as human beings, we crave its beauty, its eloquence, its spiritual transcendence —its pain.
In our armor of love we transcend time, space, and energy; and, it is the closest that we come to truly understanding God’s Love for humanity in its purest form. Even the pain of Love bonds us closer to God. The innate pain of Love allows us to freely understand man’s utter betrayal of his first Love—God. And, the surrender, or lack thereof, of one to another allows us to deeply empathize with God, gaining a greater more profound understanding of His Love for us.
Think about someone you truly Love deeply for a moment. Really stop and think about this person. Think about the happiest, most pleasurable moment with this person. Have you done so as yet? I can imagine it is a wonderful memory for you.
Now consider this. --Knowing what you know about the pleasure of Loving this person; and, feeling what you are feeling at this very minute, imagine yourself propelled far into the future, where, you can now see that your Beloved will betray you and hurt you deeply. You can see your future self and the pain you will experience at an undetermined date in the future. Would you still continue to surrender your heart today, experiencing the high of complete surrender? Or, would you allow the person to go their own way, not knowing what they did wrong—or in this case, what they will do wrong?
Chances are, you would still go through the process of experiencing the Love you are currently giving and receiving, dealing with the betrayal in the future, when it actually occurs.
We are God’s Beloved; His first Love. The ones He Loves in spite of our continual betrayal of His Love. The ones He waits for, and longs for. The ones He openly accepts when we show up at His front door, forgiving us without any questions. The ones He gave Jesus for. -- Isn't it time we went back to Him? Hasn't He waited long enough? L.
Study Reference: John 3:16
From: "Freedom to Love." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Hearing His Voice
“...And He said, Go forth and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold the Lord passed by, and a great strong wind rent the mountain, and broke into pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire, a still small Voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entering of the cave, and behold there came a Voice unto him…” 1 Kings 19:11-13
There are times when hearing God's voice is more difficult than others; yet, I believe every human being is capable of hearing very specific directions from God, whether we choose to listen is another story. Some people consider God the voice of reason or conscience; I do not, reason and conscience is our own. Depending on how you were raised and the type of ideals instilled during your formative years, there will be decisions you make in life that you consider lofty, and some, by your own standards, you will consider low.
The Voice I am referring to, is the one that says, for example, "Move the car to the right lane now!" Somehow you reiterate the same command out loud, although, no one else is in the car with you. And, lo and behold, right after you obey the Voice, a metal object large enough to have taken your life, falls off the truck that was in front of you, in the lane you just came from. —That's the Voice I am referring to. If you grew up with your parents, or those you consider parents, their voice will stand out in your head. In many instances you can hear their voice in your sleep, and can easily imitate them for fun. You can be in a crowd of thousands, yet somehow you can easily make the distinction between their voice and every other voice in the crowd. Animals also have this trait. They can easily differentiate between their master’s voice and that of a twin.
The problem with hearing The Voice is that, we keep so many other voices in our heads simultaneously, it becomes difficult to distinguish which one is God, which one is culture, and which one is ours. When I refer to culture, I am referring to the radio, friends, family, media, music, advertisements, and yes, even daily devotions like this one. We adhere to so many voices, that often, we do not give ourselves time to notice and note the distinction between God’s Voice and everything else.
Truth be told, God’s Voice has a way of working through the clutter. We know this is true because He gets through to us in spite of ourselves. But, wouldn't it be great if we actually took the time to quiet the clutter? —To simply release our minds into His care, so that He wouldn't have to scream just to get our attention? L.
Study Reference: Kings 19:11-14
From: "Hearing His Voice." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Solitary Prayer
"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 1` 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
Cast Down, But Not Destroyed
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
I believe this is my favorite verse by far! It lists the troubled state of various human circumstances; from the nagging feeling of being troubled, to the state of being cast down. It helps us to remember that we are not our circumstances. But, just in case you need a reminder:
If you are feeling troubled on every side, Jesus offers you faith, understanding that nothing can harm you, or hinder your life without God offering you a way out. You are not distressed, fearful, or weary. You feel strong with the confidence of knowing your heavenly Father is only a prayer away.
Or, maybe you are feeling a little perplexed. That nagging feeling of confusion when you believe something should have one outcome, but somehow it goes in a completely different direction than the one you prepared or prayed for. Nevertheless, you regroup, retrain, and prepare for a new strategy so you can achieve the desired outcome. You are calm. You are neither desperate or in despair. You have no fear. God has your back; of this, you are certain. Despair is for those who do not know God; those who have no concept of hope, faith, or trust in our Savior.
Maybe you are the one in this group who is feeling a bit persecuted by those in your surroundings. Your friends have forsaken you, your colleagues are against you, and your family is just not giving you what you need to soar to the top. You feel lonely and persecuted. But, you know God has not forsaken you. Your hope is in His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you, even when everything and everyone else fails.
And, for those of you who are on the verge of feeling completely cast down, or feel as if you have been left on the ground to be trampled and stoned; remember, what does not take your life, will only make you stronger. Like a prize fighter training for the heavyweight championship, you may fall down during a bout, but the floor is not where the fight is. Go back to your prayer corner, replenish yourself, refresh with the Word of God, and go right back in there and finish the fight; you will not be destroyed! As a matter of fact; your opponents were fortunate the first time. The first time you were not prepared; you did not know they were going to cheat—hurting you in your most vulnerable spot. You mistakenly thought they would have compassion. This time you know; you are ready for anything! And more importantly, you understand that no one; no entity, no power or principality can take from you what God has already ordained for your life! Yes, cast down; but, definitely not destroyed! L.
Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 4:6-16
From: "Cast Down, But Not Destroyed." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
The Human Genome
“For if you love them which love you, what thank have you? For sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you? For sinners also do even the same. …But love your enemies and do good and lend, hoping for nothing in return and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest, for He is kind unto the unthankful and the evil.” Luke 6:32-33 & 35
The Human Genome Project is a relatively new science determined to unlock the “code to human life” as we know it. Not simply the double helix we have become familiar with, but a science much deeper and much more complex. With the emergence of 21st century computer technology, scientists gained the ability to reduce DNA sequencing down to a single molecule. More importantly, the genome project has cracked the genetic code giving scientists the ability to probe the unique code God ordained to create each person. It is a fascinating technology which will offer each person the opportunity to understand his/her own personal blueprint of genetic strengths, weaknesses, or potential flaws. And, while there are some people who will seek to create “designer babies,” most people will simply want to understand how to live the best life they can with the genetic cards they have been dealt. Currently, only the wealthy can afford to know their genomic past and some of the predetermined hazards of their potential genomic future. However, in the near future, the cost is scheduled to drop significantly. Obviously, no one can determine, even after all that probing, planning, and knowledge, if you will fall prey to a freak accident or major disaster but, God. —So, heed any predictions carefully and prayerfully.
What’s even more interesting about the human genome is, unlike fingerprints which uniquely separate us from everyone else in the world, our genome connects us to all other people in the world. From a historical standpoint, genetic scientists can also identify every living cousin, or our nearest living relatives around the world. Even more fascinating, is that these scientists have already mapped the origin of humanity’s existence back to Africa; and, as shocking as it will be to some people, back to Africans, not apes.
By now, you must be wondering, “What does all of this have to do with Jesus?” Well, while thinking about the ancestral mapping of the human genome, and its ability to give us historical data relating to every ancestor we have ever had. —Not to mention, every common ancestor between us and every living human being on the earth today; consider this. With so much hate between entire nations, various races, opposing religions, countless ideals, and ideologies; ask yourself this question. What will you do when you find out that your closest living relative, other than the ones you already know, is someone who, on the surface, seemingly does not look like you, yet is your ancestral genetic replica on the inside?
What will you do when you find out that your blood relatives are African, Caucasian, or Asian? What about German or French, Armenian or Turkish, Serb or Croatian, Ethiopian or Eritrean? As for religions, we know that Muslims and Jews are genetic and biblical cousins; Jews and Christians are genetic and biblical brothers and sisters; all separated by interpretation and misinterpretations of the Old & New Testaments. —And, we haven’t even touched all of the subdivisions of various other religions created based on culture and tradition.
In Luke 6:32, Jesus said that loving someone who loves you is unremarkable; everyone does so, even the wicked. And repaying goodness with goodness, is also unremarkable, everyone does it, even those that are evil.
Our love of Jesus Christ separates us as His chosen nation, one that follows a very specific and ordained dogma. We have sworn our allegiance to God, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, showing love not because our neighbor loved us first; but, because God said, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!”
Yes, you have been set aside to show His marvelous Light to the world. So, if you really want to do something absolutely remarkable, something so extraordinary that Jesus said it would prove that you are His true follower; offer goodness and Love toward those who you will receive nothing from in return—except maybe, wonderment and awe. L.
Study Reference: Luke 6:31-36, 1 Peter 2:9
From: "The Human Genome." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Quiet Desperation
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
American writer, Henry David Thoreau, was born in 1817. He wrote in an era when the male majority literally had all the privileges of a new independence. Yet, he is credited with the quote: “Most men [and women] lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Thoreau wrote this statement contemplating his own personal understanding of quiet desperation and that of mankind.
At some point in our lives, we all suffer from secretly living in quiet desperation. For most of us, it occurs when we believe we are not fulfilling, or have no hope of realizing our God-given potential. For others, it is the full acceptance of mediocrity, both in themselves and others. It is safer to continue in the mundane routine of our daily lives, than to take the risk of the unknown to break free of the quiet unlit embers that have somehow quelled the fire in our souls.
In today’s verse, God reminds us that no matter how dismayed we become, His thoughts towards us are of Divine Love and complete peace. No matter how discouraging our circumstances, when we call on the name of Jesus, the verse says, He will hear our plea and respond. There is absolutely no reason to go through your life in quiet desperation. At some point, you will have to really believe that God values your life’s potential. After all, He was the One who placed it in you to begin with.
Take the time to really read your Bible; it was created to inspire deep internal thought about your life in relation to God. Use it as the ultimate tool to guide you in understanding the God-given potential for your life. Pray for guidance to alleviate any inner doubts so that you can internalize the depth of God’s Love towards you. Continue to write down your thoughts as you read. It will recalibrate your thinking to foster action, helping you to develop a keen awareness of your life’s purpose; and, eliminate that quiet desperation we often feel. Believe that God values your life’s potential, because the contrary would be to agree with Thoreau, and, go to the grave with your song still inside you. L.
Study Reference: Jeremiah 29:11-13
From: "Quiet Desperation." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Changing The World
“For a good tree brings not forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bring forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil. For of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. And, why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:43-46
Do you really want to change the world? —Are you tired of everyone around you and their drama? --Are all your co-workers, friends, and church members getting on your last nerve? --Is it all just too much? Problems here, problems there, problems everywhere! The kids are bad, the people are rude, and it appears that life is harder than it needs to be. You watch the evening news and it seems that everyone in the world is losing their minds; and, there’s nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. --What can you do? --Where can you start?
Well, if you are really interested in impacting the world and making a definite change in your life, here’s a suggestion. It has been said, if you really want to change the world, start with one person at a time. And, to make the greatest impact, the first person you must place on your list is the one staring back at you in the mirror.
Does everyone seem rude to you? Then you should be kinder. When you are kinder, others in your midst become kinder. Do others seem increasingly selfish? Then, begin sharing more of yourself and what you have. It may not seem like a lot, but, if you seek a need and fill it, you will impact change. Are you surrounded by hate and loveless relationships? Find ways of expressing your love for others and for humanity-at-large. You may not change the entire world—at first; but, you will certainly change the environment around you—the part of the world you live in. If it is true that we are separated from all people in the world by six degrees of separation, then imagine how a change in your life will impact the first six people you interact with after you have adjusted your attitude about life. Imagine the next six. --And, so on …and, so on ….and, so on…
When we change ourselves first, everyone around us changes. It is a simple premise with an enormous impact. Whether it is your attitude, perspective, or demeanor, when you change yourself--everything in the world changes! L.
Study Reference: Luke 6:43-46
From:"Changing The World." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
LOVE...
“...Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but whether there be prophesies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease, whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; But when that which is Perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I also am known. And now abide Faith, Hope, and Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Without love, there is nothing …There is nothing, without love.
I am convinced that pure Love conquers all, heals all, prevents all, and saves all. It knows all, discerns all, creates all, perceives all, teaches all, finds all, reveals all, identifies all, and so on. It is the remedy for everything, and without it, there is nothing and nothingness. It is the reason we believe God is Love. Nothing can exist without it. No human, animal, vegetable, flora, fauna, or fish. It is not only God’s Love for us, or our love for Him; it is the encompassing and extension of our love to others. As God’s Ultimate Gift, it is the greatest thing He imparted to us, and it continues to keep us in accord with Him, whether we believe or not.
As humanity, we cannot function without it. When we find it missing at the youngest stages of life, it manifests as wicked pathologies and dysfunctions that disable future adults from the basics of a common humanity most of us take for granted. And, if it is still not discovered into adulthood, the mind finds ways of creating “love,” often, to the destruction of itself or others.
We search for it,—yearn for it, and eagerly find ways of capturing even the most minuscule traces of it in others. We will give up our lives for it; and we will save the lives of others because of it. It heals our hearts and replenishes our souls. What else could it be, but from God? It is not physical love, but it can be. It is not romantic love, but it can be. It is a thing so massive, both its depth and breadth is unimaginable. And yet, even the most minuscule unseen bit, once offered, can propel us to greatness. Imagine. ...It lives long after we have died and continues to work long after we have lived. What else could it be, but of God.
As we welcome this New Year why not move your life in the direction of finding out more about it? Not to garner more of God’s Gift from others to yourself, but to offer more of it to others—for yourself.
Change to Love—you’ll change your life.
Change your life—You will change the world. L.
Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13* (The Gideon King James Bible)
From: "Love..." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Freedom to Love
“For God so Loved the world that, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
In the mid-1960's, in the U.S., the motto was “Free Love.” It was an oxymoron created by beatniks and hippies to counteract the stodgy-straight-laced rules of the 1950’s, where only a brave few married or interacted with others outside their class, race, income, status, neighborhood, etc. However, the reality is, love does not set you free, and is by no means free. It has a cost. To love, is to be in true bondage in the purest sense of the word. It is complete dependence and emotional surrender to another human being. When you make the decision to love, and do not be fooled, it is a decision, you allow another human being full access to your spirit. This is the reason why it hurts so much when it is purposefully not returned, nurtured, or strengthened. The recovery process does not occur on the façade, the pain does not hide, and it cannot be hidden; it is much too deep and unrelenting.
When we really think about it, who, in their right mind, would elect to relinquish their spirit’s sanity for unabashed emotional surrender? Yet somehow, as human beings, we crave its beauty, its eloquence, its spiritual transcendence —its pain.
In our armor of love we transcend time, space, and energy; and, it is the closest that we come to truly understanding God’s Love for humanity in its purest form. Even the pain of Love bonds us closer to God. The innate pain of Love allows us to freely understand man’s utter betrayal of his first Love—God. And, the surrender, or lack thereof, of one to another allows us to deeply empathize with God, gaining a greater more profound understanding of His Love for us.
Think about someone you truly Love deeply for a moment. Really stop and think about this person. Think about the happiest, most pleasurable moment with this person. Have you done so as yet? I can imagine it is a wonderful memory for you.
Now consider this. --Knowing what you know about the pleasure of Loving this person; and, feeling what you are feeling at this very minute, imagine yourself propelled far into the future, where, you can now see that your Beloved will betray you and hurt you deeply. You can see your future self and the pain you will experience at an undetermined date in the future. Would you still continue to surrender your heart today, experiencing the high of complete surrender? Or, would you allow the person to go their own way, not knowing what they did wrong—or in this case, what they will do wrong?
Chances are, you would still go through the process of experiencing the Love you are currently giving and receiving, dealing with the betrayal in the future, when it actually occurs.
We are God’s Beloved; His first Love. The ones He Loves in spite of our continual betrayal of His Love. The ones He waits for, and longs for. The ones He openly accepts when we show up at His front door, forgiving us without any questions. The ones He gave Jesus for. -- Isn't it time we went back to Him? Hasn't He waited long enough? L.
Study Reference: John 3:16
From: "Freedom to Love." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Hearing His Voice
“...And He said, Go forth and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold the Lord passed by, and a great strong wind rent the mountain, and broke into pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire, a still small Voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entering of the cave, and behold there came a Voice unto him…” 1 Kings 19:11-13
There are times when hearing God's voice is more difficult than others; yet, I believe every human being is capable of hearing very specific directions from God, whether we choose to listen is another story. Some people consider God the voice of reason or conscience; I do not, reason and conscience is our own. Depending on how you were raised and the type of ideals instilled during your formative years, there will be decisions you make in life that you consider lofty, and some, by your own standards, you will consider low.
The Voice I am referring to, is the one that says, for example, "Move the car to the right lane now!" Somehow you reiterate the same command out loud, although, no one else is in the car with you. And, lo and behold, right after you obey the Voice, a metal object large enough to have taken your life, falls off the truck that was in front of you, in the lane you just came from. —That's the Voice I am referring to. If you grew up with your parents, or those you consider parents, their voice will stand out in your head. In many instances you can hear their voice in your sleep, and can easily imitate them for fun. You can be in a crowd of thousands, yet somehow you can easily make the distinction between their voice and every other voice in the crowd. Animals also have this trait. They can easily differentiate between their master’s voice and that of a twin.
The problem with hearing The Voice is that, we keep so many other voices in our heads simultaneously, it becomes difficult to distinguish which one is God, which one is culture, and which one is ours. When I refer to culture, I am referring to the radio, friends, family, media, music, advertisements, and yes, even daily devotions like this one. We adhere to so many voices, that often, we do not give ourselves time to notice and note the distinction between God’s Voice and everything else.
Truth be told, God’s Voice has a way of working through the clutter. We know this is true because He gets through to us in spite of ourselves. But, wouldn't it be great if we actually took the time to quiet the clutter? —To simply release our minds into His care, so that He wouldn't have to scream just to get our attention? L.
Study Reference: Kings 19:11-14
From: "Hearing His Voice." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Solitary Prayer
"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 1` 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
Cast Down, But Not Destroyed
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
I believe this is my favorite verse by far! It lists the troubled state of various human circumstances; from the nagging feeling of being troubled, to the state of being cast down. It helps us to remember that we are not our circumstances. But, just in case you need a reminder:
If you are feeling troubled on every side, Jesus offers you faith, understanding that nothing can harm you, or hinder your life without God offering you a way out. You are not distressed, fearful, or weary. You feel strong with the confidence of knowing your heavenly Father is only a prayer away.
Or, maybe you are feeling a little perplexed. That nagging feeling of confusion when you believe something should have one outcome, but somehow it goes in a completely different direction than the one you prepared or prayed for. Nevertheless, you regroup, retrain, and prepare for a new strategy so you can achieve the desired outcome. You are calm. You are neither desperate or in despair. You have no fear. God has your back; of this, you are certain. Despair is for those who do not know God; those who have no concept of hope, faith, or trust in our Savior.
Maybe you are the one in this group who is feeling a bit persecuted by those in your surroundings. Your friends have forsaken you, your colleagues are against you, and your family is just not giving you what you need to soar to the top. You feel lonely and persecuted. But, you know God has not forsaken you. Your hope is in His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you, even when everything and everyone else fails.
And, for those of you who are on the verge of feeling completely cast down, or feel as if you have been left on the ground to be trampled and stoned; remember, what does not take your life, will only make you stronger. Like a prize fighter training for the heavyweight championship, you may fall down during a bout, but the floor is not where the fight is. Go back to your prayer corner, replenish yourself, refresh with the Word of God, and go right back in there and finish the fight; you will not be destroyed! As a matter of fact; your opponents were fortunate the first time. The first time you were not prepared; you did not know they were going to cheat—hurting you in your most vulnerable spot. You mistakenly thought they would have compassion. This time you know; you are ready for anything! And more importantly, you understand that no one; no entity, no power or principality can take from you what God has already ordained for your life! Yes, cast down; but, definitely not destroyed! L.
Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 4:6-16
From: "Cast Down, But Not Destroyed." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
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