"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


​

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


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

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

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

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

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

“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 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
photo: cloudfront

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”      1 Corinthians 12:4-7 


​It can be difficult for some people to truly understand the diversity of gifts concept; yet, simply put, every single person in a church is significant, not just for their talents or gifts, but also for their diversity of character. Whether it is a young child with a penny, or an Oprah-like person with billions, each person is there to teach us a lesson.  For example, the child with the penny can teach us humility; while the person with billions can teach us perseverance, generosity, or even frugality. 
The diversity of characters, personalities, and gifts, within the church, create a microcosm of society and teaches us how to evolve spiritually given the diversity within the body of Christ. 

Does this mean we are going to have some people who are a little nutty?-Yes!  A little snobbish?-Yes!  A little outlandish? 
-Yes!  Will there be some serious bible-thumping holy-rollers? -Yes!    And, what about those who barely toe-the-line. -Oh Yes!   However, all are seeking a closer walk with God in their own way.  The Bible says, "every man must bear his own burden..."  as he or she seeks a personal walk and commitment to God. 

The issue is not with the cast of diverse characters; the issue is how you react and interact with them. And, although we are all working towards the same end-goal, your interactions with the entire cast of characters will determine your own level of growth within the body of Christ.  Remember, Jesus Himself found a motley crew of diverse characters that He dubbed the Twelve Disciples. Why would the personalities in your church be any different than those He took the time to select as His beloved followers?  L.

Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7   
From;"Gifts."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

“Who is a God like unto Thee that pardons iniquity and passes by the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”      Micah 7:18-19


For many Christians, including myself, forgiveness is a big issue. It's not simply forgiving others, although that may be just as big an issue, but forgiving ourselves. We consider our deeds or misdeeds, and think to ourselves, God cannot forgive us for whatever act /sin we believe we have committed.  We make this statement so true in our own minds that forgiving ourselves seem completely outrageous. So, we wallow in the arms of self-pity, doubt, and fear, languishing in darkness, instead of what should be the Light of forgiveness and the Grace of God.

In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reminds us that His thoughts are far beyond our level of thinking.  In it He says; 
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways…  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

God travels on the ultimate high road, offering compassion and granting forgiveness to all those who ask. If this is so, how can we ever believe that God will not forgive us for past or even future misdeeds?  We cannot think like God; our understanding of His forgiveness is often misguided and limited.  And yet, no one else can tell you to forgive yourself for something you have done, if you do not believe you deserve forgiveness. Your quest is to ask God for His forgiveness, repenting of your sins cloaked under the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Once you have done so, you must believe that His forgiveness has occurred; and, fully accept that the thoughts of your Father in Heaven are far beyond both your expectations and your understanding. -Now there are times when you will have to ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt, however, forgiving yourself can only start with God. L.

Study Reference: Micah 7:18-19  
From: "Forgiving Yourself."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: tapyaps

 
“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the Voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 15:22





​We try to obey God by acting as Christ-like as we dare, by reading our Bible and by controlling ourselves as humanly possible. But, if we are honest, we really are no different than the Children of Israel were with Moses.

Every time I see the movie, The Ten Commandments, I think to myself, Pharaoh was a fool! If I were king, I would have listened! Then I think about the Children of Israel, and think to myself, they just did not get it; didn't they remember the plagues, the promises, or the parting of the Red Sea?  How could they forget the manna and hordes of quail falling from the sky? It was as if the memories of their victories were erased. Somehow, they forgot all those times when God miraculously brought them through their trials and tribulations.

Then I think about all the many predicaments God has brought me through. My own personal parting of the Red Sea, where He made “a way, out of no way;” and where obeying would have played a major factor, had I done so. For most of us, obedience has a cost. Sometimes it cost love, sometimes instant gratification, sometimes friends.

When we see depictions of Satan, the master of Sin, he is grotesque with horns; however, we know this image is not biblical. The truth is, Sin on the facade is alluring, sexy, enticing, and many times can appear beautiful, at least at the onset.  However, we know that no matter how good it can be in the beginning, the consequences will have a lingering effect on our lives. Whatever the cost, obedience to God will eventually bring you ultimate joy! -Yes, it sounds like a cliché; but, it is true nonetheless.  L.


Study Reference: 1 Samuel 15:22, Ezekiel 28:13-15
From: "The "O" Word." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

“Peter, seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, ‘If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? -Follow thou Me.”   
John 21:21-22

​
On occasion we are reminded in the Bible to “mind our own business,” when it comes to what Jesus has asked others to do. Not only what He has asked, but also whom He has asked. For example, as Christians, we somehow believe we should all look the same, speak the same, act the same, even worship the same based on our own meager understanding of God’s Word, not fully understanding that there are unique roles assigned to all Christians based on upbringing, character, physical abilities, social status, dialect, and personality, just to name a few. There is a special correlation between you and those you will speak to concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your unique capabilities will be used to reach those where countless others have failed. 

In John 21:14-17, after dining with Jesus for the last time after the resurrection, Peter the Apostle is asked by Jesus three distinct times, “Lovest thou Me?” Peter replies, “Yea Lord, Knowest that I love Thee.”   Jesus states, “Feed My Sheep.”   It is a wonderful exchange of God’s directive to all Christians.  However, there is a verse I find even more compelling found in today's verse, John 21:21.  It appears as Jesus is speaking to Peter concerning what he should do for the Kingdom of God. Peter, espying John, whom the Bible refers to as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” instead asks Jesus, 
“What shall this man do?” And Jesus replies, 
“If I will, that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?”

In other words, do not worry about how another serves God, concern yourself with the responsibility that God has given to you.

There are some who will walk the straight and narrow path to find God, and there are others who will, like the thief on the cross, find God in their very last breath. Let’s not forget, even in our scant human understanding of perfection; we have all fallen short of the Glory of God, and, it is on God’s Honor, by His Grace, and in His Mercy that each person is saved. L. 

Study Reference: John 21:14-24 
Excerpt from:"Minding Our Own Business." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Fredric Jon 

​..."Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before …I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  
Philippians 3:13-14 
 

Personal study and prayer answers all questions. However, sometimes we need the openness of another person to explain, or to understand, an answer we received in prayer that we are reluctant to listen to. When I was younger, I was committed to meditation.  I somehow believed that by meditating I would learn the answers to the questions I found perplexing.  It was not until I became an adult that I learned it was more productive to meditate on the Word of God, to gain an adequate understanding about the things I questioned. Then, I met a young man who would help me to understand more about God than any other individual I knew at the time. He questioned e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g about God, forcing me to actually pay more attention to what I was reading, and intently study what I actually believed. As a result, it increased my curiosity to gain a deeper and better understanding of my relationship with Jesus. 

Often, as Christians, we think those who question us about God are problematic, and/ or confrontational, not understanding that they represent our own lack of knowledge of God’s complexity. Yet, simply put, as Believers our unique focus is to be able to teach others about Jesus.  All of us are damaged by one thing or another, whether we admit it or not; and, all people need the Love of God, whether they know it or not. 
So, the question for most of us is--How do we teach others about Jesus, without sounding like a crazed fanatic?  The answer is, just by being ourselves. Not our regular selfish self, but our higher God-centered self. Our higher God-centered self will always find a way to accommodate others, helping them to grow, learn, and understand the nature of God’s Word.

To apply this principle is relatively simple.  We must work through the common bond that binds us together as humanity. —Love. If we allow it, our love for God and our knowledge of Jesus will be emitted through our actions, our thinking, and our relationships with others. It is in applying these innate characteristics that we will prove, or disprove whether we are ready for a true ambassadorship to represent Jesus. 
--The question today is, --are YOU ready?   L.
​
Study Reference: Philippians 3:13-14
From; "Seeking..."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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


God can use anyone or anything for His purpose. 

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


​

​"Keep thy foot when thou goeth into the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven and thou upon the earth, therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of busyness, and a fool’s voice is known by the multitude of words. When thou vow a vow unto God, defer not to pay it, for He hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou should not vow, than thou should vow and not pay.”        Ecclesiastes 5:1-5
​

Each day our life speaks volumes regarding our beliefs; and, every day we affirm our convictions by our actions. Some days we speak flippantly about things that are true convictions, and on other days, we speak convictions about things that are irrelevant, not understanding how important it is to pay attention to what we actually say.

Most people believe a vow to God is limited to money, because many times we find ourselves negotiating with God for some degree of monetary gain. The truth is, God does not need our money. However, if you make a monetary pledge, even if it is in jest, keep it. –It is a vow.   A vow is anything that you have promised God you will do. Whether it is in return for something or not, is irrelevant, to be certain, God will keep His end of the bargain. If you use the term, “I swear to God…,” then you should be aware that you are dangerously avowing whatever you have said.  And, if you are one of those people who like to "...swear to God" in anger, guess what? –It is a vow.  In Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote, "It is better not to vow, than to vow and not to fulfill your vow."  Hannah understood this when she fulfilled her vow by taking her only son, Samuel, to the temple to live. (1 Samuel 1-2:11)

...What about you?  Have you promised God that you were going to do something that you have not done? If so, today is the day to ask for forgiveness. And, when you have finished asking for forgiveness, if your vow falls within the realm of love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, fulfill what you have vowed!  L.

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, Judges 11:1-40
Excerpt from: "Vows." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bigstock

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


When I finally finished, In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living,  I wanted to conclude with a thought that would summarize the entire process. I knew that there would be a few readers who would never really believe that every Daily Devotion I wrote was written for me. It did not matter if the Devotion appeared cynical, redemptive, lofty, or sad; every one was written with a lesson for me. What I learned was that the only way for Believers to gain the kind of biblical understanding that is not limited to pleasantries, is for you to do it yourself.
–Study, study, study, -learn, learn, learn; then teach, and learn some more.

I had to really sit down and ask myself what the entire writing process was all about. How can the stories contained within the Bible speak to us in today’s culture?  Our lives are not about the little dilemmas or even major hardships that we go through, it is about the process. –The discoveries we uncover about ourselves as we go through our ordeals.  It doesn’t matter if they are extended bouts of elation, or basic life episodes we consider devastating.  In the larger scheme of things they are all the same. It comes down to how we deal with it. It comes down to the impression it leaves on our lives, and whether it defines who we are or who we become. Will the results make us bitter, wicked, vengeful, disobedient, callous, envious, and atheistic; or, will it remind us how fleeting life is, elevating our spirits to offer gratitude, love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, empathy, and devoutness?

Although I love the poetry of the biblical book of Job, the story of Job is not my favorite; yet, what I found is, as a Christian in today’s culture, our lives literally come down to the book of Job, chapter and verse.  It does not matter what kind of problems Job went through; they were all devastating. Yet, the lesson for us is that, throughout the process of his trials he maintained his devotion to God, recognizing that no matter what occurred, no matter how devastating the event or how he felt day to day, his devotion to God never wavered. –God was still his strength.  

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

"No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”      
Matthew 6:24

 
Whom do you serve? —Are you torn between two loves?
Most people believe that the Bible says, "Money is the route to all evil, or the root of all evil."  However, money is not the route to evil or the root of evil; it is the love of money that is the root of all evil. —The choice is simple, is God your provider or your money?   

Let’s be honest, money is used to purchase or transact an exchange for the goods and services we need.  In our modern society, it is the rate of exchange for a determined value for the work we do.  If we lived in a society that worked only on a barter system, we would use something else. There are societies all over the world where people barter or exchange knowledge, information, talent, skill, etc., for food, room, board, goods or services. However, for most of us, cash money is the exchange currency we use. It allows us the freedom of choice to select, as we wish, those things that we may not otherwise have access to. The issue is, do we recognize that God is our provider and not the money?

I listened to a young woman, a well-known performer, tell an interviewer how she had just finished a nine-day concert tour attended by thousands of fans; yet, upon going back to her hotel room, she felt complete loneliness and an innate longing for someone to care about her, as a human being—not a performer.  During the same interview, in a moment of introspection, she told the interviewer that, the overwhelming thought of how God had blessed her life, had moved her to tears. So much so, she began to ask Him the question, “Why Me?”  In other words,  "Lord, why have you blessed "Me" so abundantly?"  The depth of honesty in her question was truly emotional, for her and the audience.  It made viewers stop to think about their own blessings. 

A few days prior to this, I listened as she spoke to another interviewer while they traveled via limousine; he asked her about her extraordinary wealth.

“You have done quite well in marketing your "brand." —What about the money?” He asked, smiling.  His fine British accent polishing what would otherwise be a truly tacky question.
“It’s just money,” she said matter-of-factly. “—It buys things.”   He nodded in agreement, then added, “Yeah, —but it’s good to have it!”   
“I don’t really think about it.” She said, “That’s what it allows you to do, —not to have to think about getting it. There was a time when we didn't have it.”   She continued.  “Yeah, now we don’t have to think about how we are going to pay the bills. —That’s what it does; it allows you the freedom to not have to think about it.”  

Don’t get confused about money. Sometimes it is a by-product of something you have done. Sometimes it is a windfall, a spontaneous blessing through no effort on your part. But, it is not your provider; it simply allows you to be able to do whatever it is that God has planned for your life, monetarily.  But, don’t be fooled.  God is the provider, and there are multitudes of things that are accomplished every minute of every day without the originator spending one dime of their own money. If God is your provider, whatever you need in order to accomplish His will, can easily be accomplished whether you have money or not, surpassing your greatest expectations.  

Just remember, you will have to eliminate the confusion of trying to serve two masters.  —So, make up your mind; is God, Jehovah Jireh --your Provider, or is it your money?   L.  

Study Reference: Matthew 6:24, 1 Timothy 6:6-12, 6:17-19,  1 Chronicles 29:11-12
From: "Whom Do You Serve." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

​"Then his lord, after he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desired me; should not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?”  
Matthew 18:32-33 
 
​
Each person has a defining moment that centers their life.  For some of us, the defining moment is a uniquely positive experience that somehow teaches us how to love completely, unconditionally, and unabashed, superseding any of the negative experiences that have occurred in our lives. However, for far too many people, their defining moment is shaped by a negative experience that encircles their life, changing the very core of who they are supposed to become.  My friend Elliott, sums it up this way, “What you don’t understand is, there are lots of people carrying around a lot of pain. It’s so deep-rooted that many of them don’t even know they are carrying it.”  
This is true. We’re all human. We all carry around some type of pain. Yet, haven’t we learned to separate the pain of childhood, adolescence, and interpersonal relationships from the routines of our daily lives?  We must have; because, for the most part, we really have no choice if we are to walk through this life with some degree of maturity. But, what about the rest of us?  Are other people destined to walk on eggshells simply because we enter a room? 

At some point the pain we internalized as children and as adults, must be released if we are to become functioning members of society; and, at best, functioning Christians.  We have no choice but to forgive those who have harmed us with what we have come to believe is irrevocable pain.  If we do not, we harm ourselves by carrying the equivalent of a 10-ton weight firmly secured around our necks, defining the very act of how we raise our heads to greet the world.  As always, I am the last one to say that forgiveness is easy—it isn't. —Some people are better at it than others; because, they make a conscious effort to practice its art form.  It really is something you have to practice.—Something you must make up your mind to do for yourself!  It’s true, sometimes the other person benefits from your forgiveness, but its importance is primarily for you. 

Wasn’t this the importance of one of Jesus’ principles when He presented the parable of the king who forgave his servant 10,000 talents; yet, the servant would not forgive his fellow servant one hundred pence?  On the surface, the story seems almost comical; it does not appear to make any sense at all. Who, in their right mind, would ask for forgiveness for owing so much and not forgive something so minuscule?  Most of us would be so happy that our debt is forgiven, we would instantly become Oprah, “You get a car, you get a car, you get a car; everybody gets a car!”  

Maybe we need to look at this in reverse. If we have trouble forgiving someone else, maybe we should ask God not to forgive us for the acts committed against Him; because, we cannot forgive the atrocities enacted against us. 

Fortunately, the defining moment and key marker for all Christians is our baptism; it is where we gain the ability to release our sins onto Jesus Christ, accepting His forgiveness and receiving His blessing.  Let’s not make the inability to forgive others the defining marker for our eternal life—much less our current lives.   L.

Study Reference: Matthew 18:23-35  
From; "Redefining The Art of Forgiveness." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo; Bigger Pockets