"And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. And he said  unto Him, if now I have found grace in Thy sight then show me a sign that Thou talkest with me.”   Judges 6:16-17


We often plead with God to answer our prayers; however, sometimes we do not recognize or accept when God responds. Many times we reduce His response to good fortune, luck, or coincidence.  In discussing a difficult assignment we were working on, one of my colleagues shared a story concerning God’s response to his prayer request for a “sign” to assure him the job he was praying for would come through.   

“You are right;” He said, “It is a blessing.  I actually found out I got this job on my birthday. You know, it’s a funny thing. I was out of work for 15 months, the longest I have ever been out of work in my life, and I was very depressed. One evening, while visiting a friend of mine who lives upstate, I was sitting on the deck quietly praying, asking God for a job. I asked Him for a sign; something that would let me know that He really heard my prayer. When I looked up at the sky, I saw a shooting star!  —​I couldn't believe it!  I thought that I was seeing things, so I rubbed my eyes, and checked my glasses. When I looked up again, I saw another one, then another and another.  I couldn't believe it!  I called my girlfriend to tell her what had happened, and she told me that there was supposed to be a meteor shower that evening. As I told her the story, she said she thought it was a coincidence not a response from God; and, that I must have somehow known subconsciously that there was going to be a meteor shower that evening from the news. I explained that I didn't know there was going to be a meteor shower, and I hadn't even heard about it.  But she still didn't believe it was a response from God.  —​But I did!  It was too precise.  I had just finished asking for a sign, and there it was.  Then on November 18th, my birthday, I found out that I had gotten the job.” 

As he told the story, I thought about all the people who often pray about a circumstance or problem, yet somehow do not recognize the response when it occurs. It happens to all of us. We are reminded of this in the biblical story of Gideon, found in the Book of Judges, chapter six. Although, told by an angel that he is selected by God to lead Israel into battle against the Midianites and Amalekites, Gideon does not believe that he is the one God really wants. So, to gain confirmation of the angel’s message, he requests that the angel show him a sign.  When the sign occurs, he still does not believe he is the chosen one.  Believing instead that the sign was a coincidence, he requests yet another sign in the reverse order.  Throughout this story, although he is obedient to God, he is confused by his own fear, ultimately questioning almost every direction. 

Sometimes our doubts and fears get so far ahead of us that it becomes hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Yet the Light is always there. There are times when you may need a sign to encourage you in your quest; if so, ask. 
But remember, it was Jesus, in response to Didymus ‘Doubting’  Thomas’ unbelief who said, “Blessed are they who have not seen, yet have believed.”  —Because, sometimes we simply have to have faith in understanding that no matter what happens, God is working on our behalf.   L. 

Study Reference: Judges 6:1-40, John 20:27-29
From: "Show Me A Sign." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Dan Bush

         “The Lord hath heard my supplications; The Lord will receive my prayer.”    Psalm 6:9

 
The Bible tells us that God hears our pleas, and will receive our prayers. Yet, most of us have no patience with God when it comes to our prayers.  We believe that just because He can answer immediately, He should.  Many times, it's easier for us to believe that our prayers have fallen on celestial deaf ears, than to honestly consider that our timing, regarding the issue we have prayed for, may be off.   That’s why faith is so important in the life of a Believer. It truly is the substance of things hoped for; and, the evidence of outcomes yet unseen.  For this reason, it is unnecessary to weep over something, or even someone that has been removed from your life.  Although we may have become attached to the thing or person, neither were necessary pillars for the future God planned for us.  Even if you believed that something or someone was to be an integral part of your  personal journey; often, the only reason that they were allowed to be there in the first place, was to teach you a valuable lesson about your Love, Character, Integrity, and Strength.
 
So, do not be discouraged, God’s response can emerge out of anything, through anyone, from anywhere. More importantly, it is an opportunity for Him to show that He has already opened doors just for you that no man can close; and, will close doors behind you, when necessary, that no man can open. As long as it is in the Will of God; if it is for you, it is for YOU; and, nothing but an act of God can stop it from reaching you.  L.
 
**Now, it’s your turn to write down your own thoughts in your journal regarding today’s verse. Try to make it personal.

Study Reference: Psalm 6:9, Revelation 3:8
From: “Your Thoughts: Accepting...”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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


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

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

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

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

             
"And the LORD said unto Satan, 'Whence comest thou?' Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, 'From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.'  And the LORD said unto Satan, 'Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil?' Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, 'Doth Job fear God for nothing?'”          Job 1:7-9
​


Suppose God was having a conversation about you, what would He say about your life today?Would He be impressed or disappointed with what you have done with it so far?

The Bible says, Job was a perfect and upright man; a man who loved God and hated evil. Yet God, showing Job off, allowed all manner of devastating trials to be used by Satan to test Job’s heart, short of taking his life.  And, while the Bible speaks of David as a man after God's own heart, David also had a rough time!  David had to acknowledge his misconduct and suffer the consequences of his actions on more than one occasion.  And although, he personally killed hundreds of men, those men were killed under God's direct orders.  He paid a hefty consequence for the one life he was indirectly responsible for; the life of his friend Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. And, since David was a true warrior, a man who clearly understood how precious life was, almost all of God's sanctions against him would end with the death of people he deeply cared about.

It is a precious thing for us as Christians to be saved by Grace. It grants us the opportunity to not have to stand before God for every action that is the sum total of our life. It is because of our Savior Jesus Christ who covers our sins that most of us are not consumed.  I don’t know about you, but, quite frankly, if I were tested at a fraction of the level of David or Job, I would certainly fail miserably.  Yet, we must still strive to live and maintain a righteous life; because, we love and stand on the side of God. It is the least we can do as a sign of respect and love for Jesus’ sacrifice.

In response to today’s question, the thought is, if God is having a conversation about YOU, pray that it is a really good one.  One that weighs heavily on the plus side rather than the minus side; because, as easily as you and I breathe, He can alter the direction of our lives with the ease of a whisper.  L.  

Study Reference: Job 1:1-12; 2 Samuel 11:1-17; 24:10-17
From: "What Would God Say?"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Joel Robison

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


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

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

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

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

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

           
"Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”              Ephesians 6:11-13


As a professed Christian, at some point you will have to be baptized.  And yet, when someone is baptized as a Christian, I tell them that their life, as they knew it, just got harder. Decisions will become more complicated, temptations will somehow feel larger-than-life, past friendships may become strained, and of course, let's not forget family life.  It does not matter whether the person is young, middle-aged, or as old as the hills, the determination to walk in faith will always be blindsided by some type of adversity.  Akin it to the story of Jesus on the mountain for 40 days and nights with every temptation, known and unknown to man, offered by the king of Sin.  All while The Enemy of our soul searched for a weakness or slight crack in the armor of Jesus. 

In the case of Jesus, He had no known weaknesses except Love.  In our case, our weaknesses are known, every last one!  And, be certain, the king of Sin knows even our most secret weaknesses. They are not new; most of them have been woven throughout our family lineage for ages. Many of them, long-standing family strongholds and weaknesses that have been passed down for generations. But thankfully, we are not alone! Our only resource and recourse is to truly call for Divine help when we find our own armor has a slight flaw, crack, or gaping hole.  It is sort of like one of those 12-step programs designed to help former addicts where, you must call your mentor when you feel yourself slipping into any of those old dysfunctional habits. In our case, our Mentor is only a prayer away.  

So, whether you are on your knees or standing up, with your eyes open or closed, under siege or riding high; don't forget to say a prayer calling on the name of Jesus to keep yourself from falling into the gaping hole that is temptation.  L.

Reference Study: Luke 4:1-13, Ephesians 6:11-20 
From: "Yield Not To Temptation (I)."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Edu Carvalho, pexel

      “I have seen travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.”   Ecclesiastes 3:10 
​

Meeting one of my neighbors in the elevator, a beautiful actress with a charming personality, we somehow began a conversation about perseverance. Although I hadn't seen her in a while, she was always gracious when we ran into each other. As we took the elevator together we began a short conversation about maintaining faith in the current economic climate. Given her profession, the motivation was being directed towards her rather than to me. And then, of course, the conversation turned to men. 

 I said, “When the economy is struggling it is much more difficult on men.  They have a harder time not linking their self-esteem to money and job security.  This makes it harder to date, and much more difficult to find the one who you may prefer to date.”  Then, she said something I truly considered profound.  

She said, “It may actually be better to date a guy who is having an issue finding work; it tells you more about their character and their ability to survive under fire.  It tells you more about what kind of person they really are, than if they have a job where they are doing fine.”  As we left the elevator to go our separate ways, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.  Not necessarily the dating part, but definitely the character and ability to survive under fire part.  

Today’s verse says God allows travail or hardship so men can be exercised or tested while under duress. Duress causes all types of issues to arise. It offers a clear indication whether the person is strong, patient, kind, moral, and sincere; all while maintaining integrity and a passionate ability to persevere when the chips are down.  Or, it can prove that they are less experienced and can only function when everything in their life is going as planned. -This information is truly relevant.  Why?  Because the chips are going to be down eventually. At some point during our life experience, things will not go as we planned.  It is simply the nature of being alive.  A man’s reaction to adversity will tell you more about him than when life is flowing smoothly as planned. 

I even had to reconsider the dating part; because, not having the financial resources to do extravagant things enables a couple to learn more about each other and not about what money can buy. It forces intimate conversations about dreams and plans, while adding candid discussions about financial issues.  Both sexes can learn a great deal about the other by not having the funds to do those things which can deter their focus from more serious issues. Struggling financially to make ends meet can definitely tell you a great deal about your potential mate and whether you want to commit or dismiss a future with him or her.  

Duress can reveal those key personality traits we really need to discover about each other before making a permanent commitment. Traits such as, deeply rooted anger, frustration, resentment, or even violence.  It can unmask our true character, bringing it out into the open.   Just as Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times, God has given us exercises in travail to shape the strength of our character. And, those same issues can reveal the character of a man or woman to determine whether he or she can become your life partner. Be wise in determining their true character in travail, it can mean the difference between having a lifelong lasting relationship, or having a lifelong lacking  relationship.  L.

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:10  
From: "Proof In Adversity" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: nova ​

   "Jesus said unto him, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”      Matthew 22:37-40

 
Fulfilling our Purpose is a very specific phrase that causes us more anxiety than most other phrases.  Consider this; a tool that does not function is useless, no matter how beautiful it is. For example, a beautiful Mont Blanc pen, sleek as it may be, is useless if it cannot write. An impressive Henckel or Wusthof  knife is wonderful, unless it is dull and cannot cut. A gorgeous Patek Philippe precision timepiece, although quite expensive, is worthless in functionality if it does not tell time. The definition of a tool is, a specific device to aid an activity. What is the innate definition of a person—People—God’s Tool?  How about, specific entities to serve God and aid humanity? Ask yourself if you are serving God, and aiding humanity.  If you are not serving God or aiding humanity, —Well... 

If you want to find out what would fulfill your purpose, ask yourself this question, "What would bring me ultimate joy?"  When you reach a conclusion, ask yourself another question, “Then what?”  Keep asking the “Then What?” question until you cannot answer it anymore and you will find out your purpose. 

Many people believe money will fulfill their dreams; however, there are very wealthy people who commit suicide every year. There are others who believe having the love of a precise person will fulfill their dreams; only to find out that, they have entered a nightmare instead. And still, there are others who believe having the "bling" of cars, sprawling mansions, and luxury yachts, will fulfill the gaping hole that is a life away from God; only to find that they have become living curators of old relics.

So again, I ask the question, “What would bring you ultimate joy?”  Did you know that the “Then what?” question was asked to a host of people over the years, and what sociologists found out was that most people ultimately want internal peace and to help others.

Well,... this sounds a lot like serving God and aiding humanity to me.    L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 22:37-40  
From: "Fulfilling Your Purpose." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: isucceedbook

       "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.

           



















       "What is man that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that Thou visitest him."      Psalm 8:4

 
Suppose that today, instead of feeling like a powerful Child of the Most High God, you are feeling alone, left out, invisible, or unloved. And, no matter what you tell yourself to get out of it, you still find yourself thinking about it all day.  —Then, here is something else for you to meditate on instead.

If you really stopped for a moment to consider just how much God really Loves you, it would be absolutely staggering!  God is ever mindful of every detail of your life.  He is so mindful in fact, that within an earthly population of over seven BILLION people, even the tiny swirls on your fingertips —something that you never really look at, barely acknowledge, or ever pay any attention to, can never be found on any other person, anywhere in the world!  Not even an identical twin!  —That’s just how “mindful” God was when He decided that You should be born.
How’s that for attention to detail!  

So remember, it doesn't matter how you feel; feelings can betray you.  You are never alone; never left out; never invisible; and, above all, definitely Loved!  So, go ahead, get on your knees, clasp your hands, and speak to your Heavenly Father!  L. 
 
​**Now, it’s your turn to write down your own thoughts in your journal regarding today’s verse.

Study Reference: Psalm 8:4
Excerpt from: Your Thoughts: “It’s All About YOU” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo:  pinterest /Zohar    

"​Then said He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here, and watch with Me. And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt. And He cometh unto the disciples, and finding them asleep, said unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:38-41
 

People who encourage others are effortlessly recognizable; they are usually the ones who others easily rally around.  Their presence and personality is infectious; simply being around them moves you to action.  Sometimes, they can be creative, daring, spontaneous; and, at other times, pensive and practical.  Nonetheless, there is always someone with this trait a dial tone away.  This person may be you, or someone close to you.  Let’s call them “The Encouragers.” Not everyone has an encouraging personality. There are those who do not encourage anyone, not even themselves; and, when they do take the time to encourage others to take a leap, it is from a 25th floor windowsill!  I recently gave someone an analogy using blood types in referring to “The Encouragers." 

“What is your blood type?”  I asked.  “I believe it’s Type-O.”  He said. “Perfect!” I said. “-Someone with Type-O blood is a universal donor; you can give blood to anyone to keep him or her alive on a battlefield; however, you cannot receive blood from anyone other than another Type-O donor. Receiving blood from a donor other than a type-O donor will result in your death.  It would be more advantageous for doctors to infuse coconut water into your veins to keep you alive, than to take blood from one of those other blood types!”  The same thing goes for an “Encourager;”he or she can easily encourage others, all those A, B, AB, and even O types that need encouraging on a reoccurring basis.  However, only another “Encourager” can give an “Encourager” encouragement; because, the ordinary rah-rah-rah speech will not work on them.

There are times when an encourager needs complete recharging, and only a real Diehard Encourager will do.  The Bible is full of those who offered encouragement to its heroes and heroines, i.e., Ruth and Naomi; Moses and Joshua; Esther and Mordecai; David and Jonathan, etc.  Yet, even Jesus, the most powerful Encourager of all, needed encouragement while He was in the Garden of Gethsemane.  His family was not around; and, His key disciples kept falling asleep.  He could not turn to anyone but His Father in Heaven.  

If you have an Encourager in your life, take the time to contact him or her today.  Thank them for helping you to persevere through all those occasions where you truly felt like faltering.  If you are an Encourager, don’t forget to take the time today to  pray for yourself. It will allow you to recharge your "battery"  using a direct connection to our heavenly Father.  Remember, a recharged battery, is the only way for you to continue helping those who need you. And, more importantly, it will boost your energy, stamina, and faith to encourage others for yet another day!  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 26:36-46 
From:"The Encouragers." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: istock

​                

​"But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble are necessary…”    
1 Corinthians 12:20–22  
 

Every time I read this text, it reminds me of a terrific story my mother used to tell us as children that has stayed with me for many years. The story, a whimsical tale about feuding body parts, reminds me of the overt egotism that sometimes occurs after accepting a church office or position.  The story goes like this.

One day, all the body parts were having a discussion concerning which organ was the most important to the body.  The eyes said, “I am the most important because I help us to see!”   The nose said, “I am the most important because without me we can’t smell the wonderful food we eat!”   The mouth said, “Well, without me, there would be no food!”   The stomach growled, “Ump! I consume the food that gives energy to the entire body!”  

Little by little all the body parts professed their overall importance to the body-at-large.  Every organ was involved in the debate except one.  After every organ had spoken their part, and the yelling was over, they heard a small voice coming from the bowels.  “I think I am the most important because I get rid of all the things we don’t need, keeping the body clean so we can function…and…” —Before the bowels could finish giving the others his rationale, the other parts began to scream with laughter.  “—​What?  Ha, ha, ha!  They were hysterical!  “--You? --You can’t really believe that  You  are the most important!”  They all yelled, "--It may not be me, but one thing is for sure --it’s not You!” 

Bowels was a little embarrassed, but stood firm.  He tried to figure out what he could possibly do to get the others to understand how vital  he was to the whole body.  Then it hit him, “Okay, to show you how important I am to each of you; and, that you cannot function without me, I am going to shut down for 3 days.”  They all laughed even harder!  
"--Ha, ha, ha! --Big deal!” 

The first day, all the body parts were fine; they were laughing and teasing bowels that all was still wonderful in the body without him.  The second day, the parts were a little sluggish, but still functioning as usual.  But, by the third day, eyes couldn't stay open, nose was congested, heart was beating slower, legs were tired, and stomach wouldn't eat.  One by one, all the parts said, “What’s going on?” “I don’t feel well!  “We’re not moving properly!”  “Oh no! I just want to lay down.”  Bowels began to laugh.  “See, I told you!  --Now do you believe me?”  One after another, they pleaded with bowels to do his job so that they could function properly.  As he started to work, each body part acknowledged that the bowels were the most important body organ and they could not function without him. 

This story always reminds me of the text found in 1 Corinthians 12:20-25 in its reference to the body of Christ.   Sometimes, we forget how important all members are to a church, not simply for their monetary contributions, but for their very presence.

Yes, all members are important in a church organization; from the pulpit to the pews, from hospitality to sanitation, from the youngest child to the oldest adult; each brings significance to the body of Christ. Not one is disposable,
—not one.  But, the most important One is the One who washes our sins away. The One who continuously cleanses the body, frees the mind, and renews the spirit —Jesus Christ.   L.

Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:20-25, Ephesians 4:15-16
From; "One, Unifying." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Couleur

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


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

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

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

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

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

  "Servants be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ.  Not with eye service, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart: with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.”             
Ephesians 6:5-8
 


In the story of Elisha healing Naaman, the personal servants of both men play a significant part in the story. One wanted the blessing of healing for his master, and the other wanted the blessing of his master's gifts for himself.  When we work for someone, whether we are working at the company just for the money, or for the love of the job, we should be able to bless those in charge; owners, managers, administrators, etc. If you truly cannot bless those at the helm, or the company you actually work for, maybe it's time for you to find a new job with people you can respect and bless!  Right now you are thinking of your boss, and truly considering closing this book permanently!

This may seem peculiar to some people, yet our example is found in the story of Naaman and the Prophet Elisha.  Both servants made an impact on the story found in 2 Kings, Chapter 5.  Gehazi, Elisha's assistant, was a man who saw Elisha heal and bless many people. The personal servant to Naaman, is a man the Bible does not name.
Yet, Naaman's servant blessed his master's life, understanding that by blessing his master, it would have a direct impact on his own life.  And, it was due to his direct urging that Naaman was healed of the curse leprosy.
Can you imagine how valued this servant was to Naaman after he was healed?

On the contrary, Elisha's servant, Gehazi, surprisingly did not have the ability to understand God's provisions for Elisha.  Instead of blessing the wondrous works of God done through his boss, he envied his ability.  He did not understand that in blessing Elisha, he too would be blessed.  And so, he misunderstood why Elisha refused to accept the gifts offered by Naaman for the healing bestowed by God.  Had he understood, he would have blessed Elisha, adding a full richness and blessing to his own life.  Instead, he opened up his life to receive the fullness of the curse leprosy.  Once stricken with the disease leprosy, he was useless to Elisha.  His life could not show the blessings bestowed by God, just the curse. 

Bless those around you.  If you truly cannot bless those who work in your midst, then why are you there? Find someplace else to work where you can bless those around you; or else, begin to make a conscious effort to bless the ones you currently work with. Look around your workplace and bless everything with goodness, uplifting the name of Jesus; it is the most powerful name in the world.  If you cannot do so, then going to work every day with envy, jealousy, covetousness, and a bad spirit in your heart will only harm you, not those you work for or with.  So, the challenge is, change your attitude or change your job.  L.  

Study Reference: 2 Kings 5, Ephesians 6:5-8  
​From: "A Tale of Two Servants."   In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty Images

                       

"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.”    Psalm 4:5

​
When I consider a sacrifice of righteousness, it means that, although some things can seem socially appealing or even innocent to do, if God has asked me not to do it, I trust that in obeying Him, it will ultimately be to my benefit, –no matter "how I feel " at the moment.

Yet, there are times when our sacrifice will be in our willingness to change the trajectory of our current life’s path. At other times, it may mean dismissing someone or something from our life, so that we can live a life fueled by the Will of God.  Ultimately, it can be as simple as prayer & fasting, or as radical as selling everything you own, and moving to another country to enact His Will.  

​In Romans 12:1 the Bible actually indicates that we have a reasonable sacrifice to maintain our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. This means that we have a basic duty to truly take care of our bodies; and, to praise, pray, and worship God with our life and our deeds.

What about you? What does it mean to you to offer sacrifices of righteousness?

After reading today’s verse, you may be wondering how offering God a sacrifice of righteousness could ever aid you in developing a deeper relationship with God. –Well, it’s actually a very basic premise. –We only sacrifice ourselves for the things we deeply need, or those we truly love.  L.

**Consider writing out what today's verse means to you, not simply a translation of the text; but, as God's personal promise to you.​

​Study Reference: Psalm 4:5
From: “Your Thoughts: Reasonable Sacrifice.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Google images

                 

​ "And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not. And Jacob went near unto Isaac, his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy as his brother, Esau's hands; so he blessed him.”     
​Genesis 27:21-22 
 

Although God may have a blessing for us, He has a way of allowing us to reap whatever we have sown. So, it is difficult to discuss Jacob and his uncle Laban without a discussion on deceit, and the perpetuation of even more deceit within Jacob's lineage. After Jacob and his mother created the elaborate “scam” to gain his brother Esau’s birthright, he literally sets himself up for a lifetime of grief, manifested from his own original deceit. Much of his life would become the perpetuation of the lie that began when he was a young man, and it would not end until he was quite old. 

It begins with Laban’s bait and switch of the wife Jacob really wants, with the one he actually marries. This sets up a level of competition within his household that would plague his marriage so much; it would be inherited by his sons. It continues with the scam his own sons would set in motion by selling Joseph, his favorite son, as a slave into the hands of his enemies. It perpetuates further, into the life of Joseph, where Potiphar’s wife would attempt to scam him into becoming her lover. And finally, it ends with Joseph pulling the final scam which would end the family's veil of deceit when he orders his brothers to bring their father to Egypt. We have to assume that the final scam pulled by Joseph, a man who truly trusted God, was much different than the previous ones. Why? —Because, Joseph's scam was based in love for his family. It offered no gain for himself, thereby ending the entangled web of deceit begun by his father. 

Suppose you knew ahead of time, that an elaborate lie or scam benefiting you greatly today, would manifest itself deep into your entire lineage, would you still do it?  What about drugs, alcohol, or criminal behavior?  Would you be the one to break the cycle?

Today, we look at Jacob’s theft of his brother’s birthright with some level of smugness. It is hard to believe that anyone would go through all that for a blessing. Yet, we know that God does not take back a blessing He has already bestowed. The actual passing of the birthright was not something literal to be passed on by man; it was a spiritual blessing bestowed by God. The thought that occurs to me every time I read this story is that God had already planned from the beginning to bless Jacob, just as He blessed Esau without the actual passing of the birthright from his father. Jacob complicated his own blessing by adding the lie—the deceit.  

So today, as we go through our lives, let’s be careful not to set in motion a deceptive seed that will perpetuate itself far into the lives of our family lineage, corrupting our blessing.  Since, unlike Jacob, we already know how the outcome will affect us. —It absolutely will impact our family.   L.  
 
Study Reference: Genesis 27:18-44, Deuteronomy 2:4-7
From: "Corrupting Our Blessing." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: The Troll's Tongue, Norwegian fjord

                        " ...And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with diverse diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them. And there followed Him great multitudes of people from Galilee, from Decapolis, from Jerusalem, from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.”     Matthew 4:23-25 
 

The Mysteries of Jesus, on the History Channel was fascinating.  While watching the program, it was easy to understand why Jesus was such a superstar among the people.  According to the custom, Rabbis, Elders, and the elite of the church were not supposed to interact with "common" folks, or be in physical contact with the sick, dying or dead. They also did not mingle with the poor, outcast, or destitute. They were to mingle only with God or among themselves. Their elitism was so grand that some rabbis had their own private road to the synagogue.  In those instances, a bridge was built from their homes directly to the synagogue to avoid any contact with others. The rabbis would literally walk above the people.  If by chance a rabbi touched a "common" person, he had to endure a series of ritual baths in special cleansing pools located in the synagogue or in his home. 

Then came Jesus!  He set aside the elitism and moved among the people, eating, sleeping, speaking, healing, walking, praying, and most important of all, teaching!  His one ritual bath was His baptism!  No wonder the Sanhedrin elite despised Him and sought to destroy Him while the people followed Him like a rock star!  He was personal then and, He is still personal today. 

So Today,  if you are feeling a little listless and weary, feel free to Praise God on credit!  In other words, —Praise Him, even when you don't feel like it. —Praise Him, even when you can't see your blessing! —Praise Him, even when you don't know where your blessing is going to come from. But, if praising Him is still difficult, then —Praise Him just because He is! —But, if somehow, praising Him because He is, is still not enough; then—Praise Him because YOU  still live and breathe. —​Hallelujah!   L. 

Study Reference:  Matthew 4:23-25 
From: "Jesus Christ, Superstar!"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: velinda peyton 

"I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.”
 John 4:38
 

Ordinarily, when most Christians read today’s verse, we consider it the manifestation of a blessing where we have reaped a harvest from a seed sown by someone else. In other words, “One man sows, another one reaps.”  However, if we reconsider this verse, it is even more profound.  It can also refer to someone whom you have been guiding, studying with, or simply speaking to about God who is considering the idea of becoming a Christian; yet somehow, they are finding difficulty in making a full commitment.
 
Often, it may appear that you have failed miserably in your attempt to be a witness for the Love of God; so, you decide to dismiss them, hoping that you can redeem the time by moving on to someone else. However, more often than not, we are simply the sower. —The first person to begin the process of awakening the small seed within them into what will eventually become a deep desire to personally know more about God.
 
There are times when those we speak to about Jesus are stubborn; so, it will take them longer to understand and acknowledge the manifestation of God in their lives.  For now, another man or woman will reap that soul for the Kingdom of God.  In the meantime, don’t get discouraged; simply stop for a moment to remember how stubborn you were, and how long it took YOU  to finally believe.  L.
 
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.  L. 

Study Reference: John 4:38 
From: “Your Thoughts: Guiding Others -Reaping.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

     "And his servant came near, and spoke unto him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, would thou not have done it? How much rather then, when he saith to thee, “Wash and be clean?”  Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."     2 Kings 5:13-14 

 
There are times when we are certain our blessings will emerge from a source we recognize, ignoring those things or people sent in our path, by God, to redirect our focus.  Sometimes it can be a perfect stranger, a circumstance, or an event which dramatically impacts a major decision.  Our task is to maintain such a strong connection to God that, when it shows up, it will be easily discernible from the other things or people in our lives.  

Today's verse, found in 2 Kings, is the fulfillment of a blessing from God through the Prophet Elisha.  Naaman was a beloved Captain of the Syrian Army whom, although beloved and revered by the King of Syria for his valor, was stricken with the disease leprosy.

It is interesting to note how Naaman learned of the Prophet Elisha's gift of healing others. The short version is, the Syrians battled with Israel, and as the victors, they kept those who were captured in battle as servants.  One of the captives, a young Hebrew girl, was given to Naaman's wife as a servant. One day the maiden told her mistress that she knew of a Prophet in Samaria who could heal Naaman of his leprosy. Hearing this from his wife, Naaman goes to the King of Syria for an introductory letter to the King of Samaria, requesting a meeting with the Prophet Elisha. When he arrives in Samaria, Naaman is instructed by Elisha to dip in the Jordan River seven times to heal himself, but like us, his arrogance and ego almost prevents him from receiving God's blessing. 

Although the healing was miraculous, today let's consider the circumstances that led to the healing—the truly miraculous part.  First, we have to assume that Naaman treated all the servants in his household quite well, since, the Hebrew servant girl felt inclined to offer help to her new captor.  Secondly, Naaman's own personal servant had no fear in recommending to his master that he follow Elisha's instructions precisely. And lastly, because of the sincere urgings of his personal servant, Naaman reconsiders his own arrogance and follows Elisha's instructions precisely, submerging himself into the Jordan River exactly seven times.  When he finally emerged after the seventh dip, he was completely healed. 

Today, we may or may not have servants; however, consider this. How do you treat those whom you consider      beneath you?  What about those employees on your job who are your subordinates?  What about those you consider less fashionable, less educated, younger, unattractive, or of a lower income group?  Had Naaman not respected or listened to the urgings offered by both his servants, he would not have experienced the healing prepared for him by God. 

How we treat those whom we command, or those who serve us, can be the difference between receiving a blessing or not.  So remember, the most wondrous thing about receiving a blessing from God is, we never know through whom the blessing will manifest.  We simply cannot predict who will be chosen to fulfill God's blessings in our life. Furthermore, we have no idea when, where, or how our blessings will take form.  It is thoroughly uncanny; it can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time.  We only need to be prepared for it by faith, and to accept it graciously and with gratitude when it occurs.  L.   

Study Reference: 2 Kings 5:13-14
From: "An Uncommon Blessing." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: creative digital

 "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And He said unto me, ‘My Grace is sufficient for thee; for My Strength is made Perfect in weakness.’  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the Power of Christ may rest upon me.”    2 Corinthians 12:8-9
 
 
I was speaking with a homeless man who had not seen his family for a long time. The circumstances of his life had forced him to live on the streets. Yet, for some reason I felt that God wanted me to speak with him, and to minister to him.  Interestingly enough, he spoke to me first and he knew a few things about the Word of God, so our discussion was productive.  Somehow, I was able to tell him some very specific things about his circumstances that took him off-guard. I know that the Holy Spirit was involved because the things that I told him also surprised me.

Then, about midway through our conversation, he said to me, “So, you know a lot about me. —And, I’m not going to lie to you. —You are right about my problems.” Then turning to me, he said, “—So, what about you? What’s your problem? —And, don’t tell me there’s none, Every-one has a problem!”  As he stood there waiting for an answer, he held his gaze. His eyes solidly fixed on me, waiting to see ​if I would tell him something truthful; and, quietly checking my eyes to see whether I would keep my integrity after talking to him so intently about God. I stood there looking at him, trying to decide if I was going to tell him anything truthful about my own lessons. –All those intimately personal inner lessons that I have learned, which I am now supposed to teach others. 

“Come on,” He said again, “Everybody has got some thing!"   Not responding, I simply looked at him, holding my gaze for a few minutes, quietly hoping that he would give up.  Finally I said, laughing a little, “—You don’t really want to hear my issue.”   But, undeterred and still waiting for me to answer, he said,“—Well, You may not want to tell me; but, I really want to hear it. —So come-on, —everybody has got something!”  Meanwhile, looking at the concrete sidewalk in front of me, I hung my head and I quietly said, “Well, my issue is forgiveness. It is the thing that God has worked with me the most. —It was my lesson and is my weakness!”  He looked at me stunned, and said, “—What!  Oh man! 
–That’s worse than mine!  —That’s worse than everything!  At least I don’t hold any grudges against anyone. “Uh-uh,” he said, shaking his head. “—That’s worse than everything!”  I sat down on the park bench in front of us, looking away.  “It’s true,” I said quietly, “You’re right. It’s worse than everything else. —God hates it.”
 
The truth is that, that homeless man was right!  We all have an issue.  Even the Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, had an issue so painful to him, that he called it a “thorn.” A problem that the Bible says, he asked God to remove “three times.”  And yet, God decided not to remove the problem. That’s where we get the verse “...And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee: for My Strength is made Perfect in weakness...”   2 Corinthians 12:9
 
We are all struggling with some “thing.”  Something that God allows us to work out only by coming to Him. Yet, even then, He may keep it in your life; since, it may have been the only reason that you came to Him in the first place. So remember, every person needs your prayers. –Especially, those whom God has charged with the responsibility of caring for or guiding others.  It keeps them grounded, cared for, and it keeps them human. --But, most of all, it keeps them connected to God.  L.
 
Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:7-12, Micah 7:18-19
From: “Your Thoughts: Thorns.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: zoom comics