"And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them.  But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him.” “…and it came to pass as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it and brake, and gave to them.  And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight.” 
Luke 24:15-16, 30-31

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There are times when I wonder if Jesus appeared to us today, communing as a stranger, if we would know Him? 
In Hebrews 13:2, the Bible says, we "…entertain angels unaware.”  What if Jesus stood in our midst listening to our conversation regarding our faith as we go through our trials and tribulations?  How would He perceive our faith and knowledge of His teachings?   

In the verse above, found in Luke 24, Cleopas and a fellow Believer are sadly walking home together on the third day following the crucifixion of Jesus; when amazingly, they are approached by Jesus querying the saddened state of their conversation.  Astonished that Jesus is unaware of the occurrences of the last three days; Cleopas explains that, their solemn demeanor is the result of the events concerning Jesus’ life and subsequent crucifixion. Transfixed by the Spirit of God, they are unaware that they are speaking directly to the very person they are speaking about.They did not recognize Him!  Their lack of faith and disillusion inhibited their recognition of Jesus standing right in their midst. Now, really consider this for a moment, and tell the truth. What if Jesus was standing around listening to your conversation? —What would He hear? 

Jesus eventually rebukes their lack of faith, teaching them about the Biblical prophesies foretelling His life, crucifixion, and subsequent resurrection. When they finally reach their destination, Cleopas and his friend insist that Jesus dine with them; he accepts, eventually offering communion.  Immediately after they take communion, and become one with the Father, their eyes are opened and—Jesus vanishes.  

We realize that after their eyes were opened, Jesus did not need to linger with them any longer; their faith was restored.  In accepting the invitation to commune with them, Jesus gave the two men immediate replenishment and the strength to persevere. So much so, that they were able to walk the 7.5 miles back to Jerusalem—completely transformed and jubilant! 

Here's what I learned from this story:

• First, be aware of your conversation when things appear bleak and your faith is lacking.  Your own words can create depression. Understand that by focusing on Jesus, your strength, faith, and understanding will be renewed so you can see what you really need to see—Him. 
• Second, the minute your perception changes, the condition of the problem also changes! A change in perspective enables you to proactively return to the source of the problem to face it head-on. 
• And finally, in the story, Jesus found his weary Believers and strengthened them. Like the parable of the Lost Sheep, He found them!  He found them in their weariness and weakened state; and, when they invited Him into their lives, He renewed their focus and strengthened their resolve! 

Like Cleopas and his friend, when you take the time to reconnect with God, He will provide exactly what your Spirit needs.  He will renew your strength and perspective so that you can persevere through any issue with victory!   L. 

Study Reference: Luke 24:1-53
From: "Would You Know Him?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

"...He sent forth two of His Disciples, and saith unto them, “Go your way into the village over against you; and, as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied whereon never a man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man says unto you, ‘Why do ye this?’ Say ye that The Lord hath need of him;’ and straightway he will send him hither.”  And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door..., in a place where two ways met; and they loosed him.  And certain of them that stood there said unto them, “What do ye, loosing the colt?” And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded; and they let them go.  And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him.  And many spread their garments in the way; and others cut down branches off the trees, and strewed them in the way.  And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”        Mark 11: 1-9
 
 
Today’s verse marks the beginning of the end of Jesus’ time in physical form on earth; and yet, over the years this passage has held some degree of fascination for Believers.  In today's passage, Jesus has just reached Bethpage & Bethsaida; yet, before He enters the city gates, He instructs two of His disciples to retrieve a specific colt, having very specific characteristics, to be found in a specific location.  Jesus tells them that the colt is tied to a tree in an adjacent village, at a fork in the road.  He further instructs His disciples, telling them “If any man,” presumably referring to the owner of the colt, tries to stop them from taking the colt, “Tell him that the Master has need of it.”
 
Of course, when the disciples reach the location, they find the colt in the precise spot and the exact condition, Jesus foretold.  When the disciples are approached by the owner of the colt, they reiterate Jesus’ Words to the owner, “The Master has need of it.”   And amazingly, the owner steps aside, and off they go with his colt. The reason why this story is so amazing, are the details! –The precision in which Jesus outlined every little detail concerning the colt, including its past.  -A past that Jesus would exchange for the beauty of a predetermined future.  We can imagine that this colt may have been tied-up his entire life.  He may have wondered why he wasn't able to romp, get dirty, or carry passengers like all the other colts, never quite understanding why he had been set aside and overlooked.  Today, we know his purpose. He would carry Jesus, The Messiah! -Yet, this purpose may have taken his entire lifetime to achieve.
 
As a Believer, the Lord is in the details. He sees all the minute details of your life. Like the colt in today's passage, when you acknowledge God’s Power as the Ultimate Power Source in your life, every seemingly insignificant detail that makes up who you are, and what state you are in, has already been considered for your future tasks. Nothing that you have done, is doing, or will do, will astonish God. -He knows you!  So, like the colt in today’s verse, even if you feel tied-up by life, while standing at a crossroad, deeply questioning your purpose, trust that God's Love will release you, redirecting your path so that your life aligns perfectly with His purpose.  L.
 
Study Reference: Mark 11:1-10
From: “Released!-Fulfilling Your Purpose (The Colt).”  
In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  (revised)
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Favim

​
“And Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked Him, saying, “Art thou the King of the Jews?”  And Jesus said unto him, “Thou sayest.” And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.  Then said Pilate unto Him, “Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee?”  And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.” 
​Matthew 27:11-14 

 
In physics, Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion is, “For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction.”  Strangely enough, I remember my middle school science teacher using the example of a subway straphanger.  “If the train sways to the right,” He said, “you automatically go to the left; if it sways left, you automatically go right.”    

“Okay,” I thought to myself. “This is simple enough to prove.”  I couldn't wait to see if it were true.  I got on the subway, and sure enough, when the train swayed to the right, I automatically swayed left, and vice versa. 

Like the subway test, this theory also works in the motions of everyday life. Yet, it does not necessarily have to work when it comes to speech.  Every verbal statement does not require an equal and opposite reaction. Some verbal responses are simply unnecessary. If you are trying to start a rough and tumble fight, Newton is the place to start; simply incorporate Newton’s third law of motion to fuel the energy you need to ignite a tiny spark into a full-blown flame. It is like the verbal street game The Dozens, a game where the participants berate one another in front of an audience to see who has the verbal acumen to destroy the other.

As we grow in our Christian walk, we will realize that not every verbal attack deserves a response.  That’s not to say you cannot respond, or that you do not have an arsenal of responses to give; it’s simply that you choose not to respond. It is where you select your words so wisely, it does not fuel the embers of what could become a roaring fire.  It is where the other person calls you a name other than your given name, or says something not to your liking, and you simply do not respond. You allow the other person to own their own words, owning what they've said to you, not your response. 

In today’s verse, the condemnation is not to Jesus, the condemnation belies the Pharisees, chief priests, elders, and other members of the Sanhedrin who were His verbal accusers.  We know that in today’s vast technological climate of instant communication, we can receive a response to any query in an instance; however, we must remember, like Jesus, there are times when we will offer the greatest and loudest response—with silence.   L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 27:1-14  
From: "An Unequal Reaction." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Jose L. Amalbert, The Colors of Silence

"The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband, for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband, in that said thou truly... ...The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men, Come, see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did; is not this The Christ?”  
John 4:17-18, 28-29


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We need at least one person in our life that will tell us the truth, no matter what the circumstance. It is always worth listening to, although sometimes, it can be difficult to hear. The truth allows us to make the necessary adjustments in our lives to get us back on track. And, while it is easier to be with someone who continuously tells you what you prefer to hear, it will not allow you to grow to the optimum level you were destined to reach.

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman-at-the-well, He told her intimate details about her life; details that were known only to her and the men she had been intimately involved with. He lovingly told her that her insatiable desire to be with several different men came from a much deeper yearning for God’s Love.  A Love so intensely complete, it lasts forever. Outwardly, she happily went through her daily routine, secretly knowing there was an unfulfilled void in her life. When Jesus revealed the scattered details of her life, she immediately recognized her hidden desire and lack of fulfillment. Yet, it is interesting that she did not deny the truth about her life, she accepted the criticism of her past, and with it, the opportunity to change her future. In accepting what Jesus offered, she became so completely fulfilled by the Love of God, she left her pitcher and immediately went into the city to tell any and everyone about her encounter.

Find the truth in the criticism of others; sometimes, it may be just the wake-up call you need to foster a reaction, course alteration, or serious contemplation. Dismiss the criticism said in anger; because, although there may be truth in it, it will be difficult for you to see through all the inherent drama of the circumstance. If there is no one in your midst whom you can trust to honestly tell you the truth concerning a given situation, then tell your story to a perfect stranger. At least then, you will know that the person has no vested interest, is completely indifferent, and could probably care less about how you feel after they tell you the truth.  Not to mention, there is a really good chance that God will allow them to tell you exactly what you need to hear; since, you may have already decided, not to listen to Him.

The Samaritan woman-at-the-well made a conscious decision to accept the truth in the criticism she received. The Love of God freed her from concealing the weaknesses of her past, and empowered her to expose the power of her future! --Become what the Love of God has empowered you to be!  L.

Study Reference: John 4:17-18, 28-29 
From:"The Best Critic." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. .
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Sharpiron

"..And Jesus departed from there, and came near unto the Sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto Him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and He healed them.”          Matthew 15:29-30


As I read the passage for today’s daily devotion, I realized that when Jesus was near the Sea of Galilee speaking to the multitude of 4000 men, not counting the women and children, those listening to Him had been with Him for three days without food.  As we can imagine, the people must have been so rapt by the teachings and healing miracles taking place, that their spiritual fulfillment and physical nourishment came from what they heard and saw  in the presence of Jesus, and not from what is considered physical food.  Nevertheless, Jesus turned to His Disciples in Matthew 15:32  and said: 

"I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."

Jesus' statement, “I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”  encourages Believers  to remember that, when we pray and fast, seriously awaiting an answer from God about the life issues we are faced with; and, we are prepared to see the miracle of His Word take form, —we will receive an answer! —We will not be sent away unfed or unfulfilled.  The act of fasting for three days, maintaining God's Word through the body's spiritual gates of what we see and hear, will only strengthen our resolve and maintain our spiritual focus. 

So, if you are having some degree of difficulty reaching a level of clarity about an issue affecting your life, maybe it's time for you to try prayer, reading, and fasting.  It removes the cobwebs cluttering your mind, the unnecessary debris clogging up your body, and releases your spirit to access God more fully.  —Not to mention, receiving an answer that just might change the entire direction of your life.  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 15:29-39
From: "Fed And Fulfilled." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bing

​“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”    Isaiah 55:12
 

When we refer to being blessed, we usually mean that we have received an unexpected monetary windfall; or, that we have received something that we have prayed or hoped for. Yet, when the Bible speaks of a blessing, it refers to innate joy, peace, and Divine favor. For most of us, it is especially apparent when those mountains or hills that ordinarily seem ominous in our lives, are somehow divinely removed for our benefit; or, when the things that were considered smaller obstacles, stimulate the winds of change that blow instead, in our favor.  Yet, in today’s verse there are specifics in respect to what it means to be Blessed.
 
So, take a look at today’s verse again. “For ye shall go out with joy:” This means that when we leave home, we leave with Joyfulness!  The kind of joy that is easily seen, shared, and apparent.  It means that we are not easily swayed from our Love for others, our Faith in God, and an overall propensity to receive happiness.  
Yet, it does not stop there. “-And be led forth with peace:”  This means that our hearts and spirits are led forth with a banner of peace! The kind of peace that understands that, no matter what happens in this world, God is still in control.  He is in control of the ups and downs of life, the trials and tribulations of this world, and all the inherent “drama” that happens in between.
 
And, when the verse says, “The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing:  It means that all the obstacles and trials we face will break before us as we see their value in our life. As we learn their meaning to us –their song, we will witness the unfolding value of their lesson as we grow in faith.  Most of all, when we read, “And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands:” it means that the fruits, gifts, and bounty out of the Hand of God shall be released unto us in Divine Favor. So yes; a little joy, a little peace, a few good lessons; and an abundant dosage of Divine Favor!  That’s what it means to be blessed in today’s verse! 
–Just a small reminder, in case you forgot to count all your blessings today!  L.
 
Study Reference: Isaiah 55:12
From: “Your Thoughts: Blessings!” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Sant Pere-de-Primia

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"For we are saved by Hope: but hope that is seen is not Hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" 
Romans 8:24
 

While channel surfing I ran across a program where a Priest was talking about a lifelong friendship he had begun with an older Jewish couple long before he was ordained as a priest. The three of them had maintained their friendship for several decades; and, over the years, they would attend various special events and services at each other’s respective place of worship. It was a special relationship honed out of love, respect, and admiration. Then, one day his Jewish friend called him to say that his wife had died from her long illness.  When the Priest came to console his friend during his time of grief, the grieving man turned to him weeping and said, “I’m truly jealous of you!”   Surprised by his friend’s words, the Priest replied, “—Uh?  What do you mean –I don’t have a wife.” His Jewish friend looked at him through teary bloodshot eyes and said, “Yes, I know. –That’s not what I meant. –I meant, as a Christian you have Hope!  But, as a Jew, all I have is a lifeless body...”  And, he began to weep.
 
Many times, as Christians, we forget that our belief in Jesus means that, we not only believe in the power of an omnipotent, omnipresent God while we live and breathe; we also believe in an eternal life with God.  –There’s more; we believe that if our loved ones are also Christians, then one day, we will be reunited in eternity. This ingrained reality really becomes our source of comfort after someone we loved has passed on. Obviously, at the beginning, this reality does not set in immediately; however, when we finally realize that the person is really not coming back to our current reality; our comfort is in knowing that we will be reunited one day. So, to those who are grieving today over the loss of a loved one, remember that God’s Love is so encompassing, His gift of Hope is yet another aspect of His eternal Love for you. 

As we commemorate, reflect, and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, remember that a grieving man, a man outside of our Faith, finally understood the overall depth of our belief in Jesus Christ. –As Christians, we have Hope!  L. 
 
Study Reference: Romans 8:24, Romans 15:13
From; "You Have Hope!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Getty 

​​"...Then said He unto His Disciples, The Harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His Harvest.”      
Matthew 9:37-38 


While reading Malcolm Gladwell’s New York Times  bestseller, The Tipping Point, I came across a line I found fascinating. It is a relatively simple premise; a theory in economics called the 80/20 Principle. The short version is, within any group, the key word being any, “80 percent of the work will be done by 20 percent of the participants.”  Stop and take a moment to think about it. Gladwell writes: 

“In most societies, 20 percent of criminals commit 80% of crimes. 20 percent of motorists cause 80% of all accidents. 20 percent of beer drinkers drink 80% of all beer.” He further states, “When it comes to epidemics, this disproportionality becomes even more extreme; a tiny percentage of people do the majority of the work.”   

This simply means that if we are referring to HIV, STDs, the flu, or any other virus, the 20 percent rule is much lower; it’s closer to 6%.  So, 6% of the group will infect 94 percent of the group if the virus is not isolated and/ or treated within a given time period. 

After reading this, I began thinking of other areas where this principle could be seen. Currently in the United States there are approximately 300+ million people.  Approximately 45% of our population—135 million people, are Christian; this includes all denominations.  Yet, Christians have enormous influence in the U.S. Our influence encourages or discourages other voters in selecting their regional and national leaders.  In an effort to honor Puritan values on sobriety, regional “Blue Laws” are enforced on non-Christians weekly; and, whether we see its remnants or not, the Ten Commandments is still the basis for our judicial system.  So, this leads me to think about prayer. If the 80/20 principle works on a whole in economics and is essentially flawless when referring to an epidemic, why shouldn’t it work in God’s economy?  -Why shouldn’t it work for prayer in your church?  

The original principle came directly from our Bible to begin with. Although God’s effecting percentage is much smaller and covers a much larger group.  The Bible says:

“And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; and I will rid evil beast out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land…And 5 (5%) of you shall chase a hundred; and a hundred (1%) of you shall put ten thousand to flight; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.”  (Leviticus 26:6, 8)

So, here’s the question of the day.  Is 20% of your church praying for the other 80% of your group?  Who is praying for your family?  Who covers your building? What about your block? Your city? Your state? Your country? This planet?  Our universe?  

In Matthew 9:36-38, Jesus, looking at the multitude remarked how large the harvest was, and how few laborers there were. If forty-five percent of those in our nation are confessed Christians, there should be no grumbling about the state of this world. In God’s economy where 2 or 3 gathered in His Name can enact change, 135 million people can surely pray to change the heartfelt desperation of 6 to 7 billion lives.   L.  

Study Reference: Matthew 9:36-38  
From: "The 80/20 Principle." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​Photo credit: Justin Dingwall

​“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans do the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans do so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”     Matthew 5:44-48

 
Sometimes loving others is really difficult. You can share your love, your friendship, your time, your honesty, etc; and, it is repaid without regard to your love or life.  Whether you love the person romantically, platonically, or in kinship; you must honor and respect each person you call “friend, family, or love." It adds to your character and will eventually enhance your heart's capability.  If it is a family member, then be prepared to extend a quadruple dose of love.  Family can be the hardest to love; because, they know where all the tender spots are in your armor. 

Sometimes, there will be times when it really hurts to love someone; because, simply put, the other person just doesn't get it. They simply cannot understand why you have chosen to elevate them to a place of love and honor. However, we have to keep trying to extend our love until we get the hang of it. —Until it becomes so easy to love that, nothing anyone does can change it. 

And remember, although the act of love is supposed to be reciprocal, the art of loving someone is not necessarily done for them, it is done for you! —So, do not wait on reciprocity.  There will be times in your life when you will open your heart and receive nothing memorable in return. Yet, keep in mind that, it is your heart that you are empowering to exhibit the most powerful privilege in the universe —Love.  When you make the decision to love others, (and, it really is a decision), you literally link yourself to God’s Eternal Power, Jesus Christ.  Your love, whether it is acknowledged by others or not, when offered in Spirit and in Truth, truly does change everything!

Today, ask God to bless you in extending the privilege to Love as many people as possible, for as long as possible. It teaches you to extend your heart’s capacity to love; and, more importantly, it teaches you how to love others the way God loves you.  L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 5:44-48 
From: "Loving Others." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
​photo credit: silhouettes

​"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”   Isaiah 43:18-19


The passage above, found in the book of Isaiah, reminds us not to keep our minds focused on things of the past, because God is, a God of creation; the kind of creation that has nothing to do with the former things discarded by the wayside for His purpose. Instead, the kind of creation that is far beyond anything you could ever dream for yourself. He is also the God of restoration, the kind of restoration that can make the former things we believed extraordinary, seem like trash. 

If you believe you have had extraordinary success in the past and are going through a desert experience now, it is very difficult to forget the good times. It can also create deep anxiety every time you relive the successful times in your mind. However, in biblical times, there were times when God's people experienced seven years of abundance, followed by seven years of famine. And, the people had to prepare for those periods when life was not as abundant as in the past. 

Modern society is not accustomed to this type of preparation, and as Americans, even less. We believe we should live in abundance at all times, even when we do not have abundance. Sometimes it is with the gift of hope and faith, and sometimes it is with pure avarice. Remember the passage above; it is God’s promise to you while you go through your own unique desert preparation period that, He will enact a new thing in your life. It can be a new opportunity, in a new direction, where He has repositioned you in a new place; or, it can be something so completely out of your paradigm, you’ll never see it coming.

Either way, stop worrying. Keep your eyes open so you can see when your opportunity springs forth.  And, keep your faith strong; God will create an oasis in your desert to replenish you!  L.

Study Reference: Isaiah 43:18-19
From:"The Desert Experience." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: istock

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“For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”  
​Galatians 5:14


It has been said that we are separated by "six degrees of separation." Which means that most of us can find any person in the world, without knowing them, by connecting with six other people or less. When we add in the connectivity of the Internet and all the social media websites, any computer-literate person can peck a few strokes of a keyboard to connect with just about anyone.

Although the "six-degrees" concept has been proven many times, the truth is, if we really understood this concept, we would never waste any of our interactions with others. 
Think about it for a moment; an average person can connect with any person in the world without personally knowing them. This means that, no person on earth is impossible to meet or influence concerning the Word of God.

Hmmm,... –It appears that God gave us an embedded GPS microchip coded directly into our DNA to find, teach, love, or influence one another. So, the next time you interact with someone, know that your interaction will be magnified 6 degrees out into the world, and has the potential to possibly return 6 degrees back to you! 

Today, why not live in the moment, recognizing that every human interaction that you have today, has the absolute potential to eventually change the world, and /or someone's life, –even yours. L.

Study Reference: Galatians 5:14
Excerpt from: "Six Degrees of Separation." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Pixabay

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“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”     Matthew 7:1-2

 
Christians are the most judgmental people on the earth! -I know, I'm one!  We speculate about the sins of others quite easily; in many instances, we can assess their sins upon meeting them, condemning them to Hades in about 3 minutes flat!  "Oh, she's a Hoochie!" "He's an alcoholic."  "Drug addict!" "She has 3 baby-daddies." "Gay!"  "Homeless!" "Broke!"  The list can go on and on, because it is so easy for us to forget that we are also sinners. 

You may say, "This has nothing to do with me;" and, it may be true. Our overt sins openly seen by all are very different than those manifested under the guise of secrecy. Nonetheless, the secret ones still exist!  And, although covert, they maintain some sort of power over us.  The truth is, every time we see someone who is under the grips of an overt sin, we should thank God for His Grace, and quietly say to ourselves, “There, but for the Grace of God, go I!”   

Our shame, on the other hand, is one of those characteristics that we take with us through life. 
If you believe that you have done something wrong, whether it is real or imagined, shame will be that proverbial demon with the pitch fork, prodding your memory of a long gone incident, back into the forefront of your mind.  It shapes your self-esteem, and often, your self-respect. It can strengthen you, if you are strong enough to dismiss it; or, destroy you, if you are weak enough to let it.  It will follow you if you are very young, and haunt you if you are old enough to know better.  In Jesus’ ministry, it was the thing that those who came forth for healing needed –the cleansing of shame. There was healing for the Woman with "the issue of blood," ashamed of her illness. There was advice for Nicodemus who was ashamed to fraternize with Jesus in the light of day. There was cleansing for Mary Magdalene who was ashamed of her prostitution; and, there was redemption for Zacchaeus who was ashamed of stealing. If you check the others, you’ll notice that shame is a resounding chord.

We have all suffered from shame at one time or another. Some of us still carry the scars of shame from some incident that occurred in childhood. Even now that most of us are mature adults, we realize that many of those things that brought us shame as children or young adults really did not warrant the attention we gave it. 

So, have compassion. It is a Jesus principle that humanity still has a difficult time administering. In today’s culture it takes only a few minutes and the click of a mouse to destroy someone. –Literally and figuratively, sending out their personal shame to be continuously ridiculed worldwide.  ..Even if you are a Christian, life and love can be confusing at any age; and often, we don't think about any future consequences until it is way too late.

Our shame began with the Fall of Adam & Eve; and, we have been trying to hide our shame since that day until now. However, as Christians, we accept the cleansing of shame from our lives when we fully understand and accept God’s complete encompassing Love for us.  –Isn't it time that we paid His Love forward to others? 

Study Reference: Matthew 7:1-5   
Excerpt from: "Passing Judgment & Ashamed ll.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Jin Young-Yu, sculptor 

**(Considering today's verse, I added Monica Lewinsky's very personal confession regarding falling in love with a U.S. President 18 years ago, to the Media page. Her confession offers a clear understanding of what it means to judge others, and how it feels to be ashamed. Let's not forget that in today's world every act, personal, illicit, or otherwise has the potential to go viral, destroying us within the blink of an eye. –The public is not as forgiving as Jesus! )

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


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

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

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

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

​"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 this I say, he which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purpose in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remains forever.”      Corinthians 9:6-9
 

​The principle of blessing and serving others is very basic; it is a continuance of the Blessing Cycle God has bestowed on you and your family.  In fact, in many instances it can be a cycle that began long before you were born. 

When I was 10 years old, I watched as my Grandmother created a “care box” full of supplies for a neighbor in the small town where we lived. The neighbor was apparently going through a rough time financially, and was having difficulty feeding her family.  My grandparents were certainly not wealthy. However, they were more fortunate than many others in their small town in Central America; because, they had a small income from several farms and a monthly income in U.S. dollars from my parents and other family members in America. 

As I watched my Grandmother stockpile all the supplies she bought into the box, I asked her who the supplies were for.  A little stunned by her response, I said, "But Grandma, you don't even like that woman!"  And she said, “I don't do this for her, I do this for you.”  -Looking at her in disbelief, I said, “-Huh, me?”   She repeated her statement, and further explained, “I do it so that if YOU ever find yourself in need, someone will do this for you.”  Somehow, even at ten years old, I understood.  Now that she has passed on, I realize that I have been blessed many times due to heracts of kindness.  And now, I have lived long enough to see acts of kindness from others extended to members of my own family. 

The Blessing Cycle is a really simple premise. However, if you really need to fully understand this concept, here it is; bless others with your gifts, talents, and /or fortune, so you and your generation / descendants will be continuously blessed.  L. 
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Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
From: "Continuing The Blessing Cycle." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the Hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” 
Psalm 121:1-2

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This Psalm recounts a day in the life of the prophet Elisha taken from 2 Kings.  In the story, Elisha is being hunted by an enemy Syrian king, because of specific prophesies he gave the king of Israel to defeat Syria. When the Syrian king finally finds out exactly who is telling the king of Israel his military secrets, he commands his army to seize Elisha. So, during the night, the Syrian army completely surrounds the city and the prophet’s home.  The next morning when Elisha’s servant comes out to do his morning chores, he sees the army surrounding them; fearful, he goes back inside to tell Elisha. However, when Elisha comes out to look at the impending army, he turns to his servant and says, “Have no fear, The Army that is with us is larger than the one against us.”  Yet, Elisha’s servant could not see the army of God surrounding the Syrian army. He could only “see” the problem set before him.  Once Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened, the servant was able to see God’s angelic army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding the Syrian army. 
 
What does all this have to do with you?  –Well, just because you can’t see God’s army surrounding you, does not mean it’s not there.  Even when things seem the bleakest, do not give up!  Because, the reality is, God can change the tide of opportunity in seconds!  He can even change an impending army of enemies to your advantage.  
So, go ahead, “Lift up your eyes unto the Hills, your help comes from the Lord. Not just any lord, The LORD who made heaven and earth.”  L.
 
**Now, it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today’s verse

Study Reference: Psalm 121:1-2, 2 Kings 6
From: “Your Thoughts:  Lord, Open My Eyes.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Joel Robison

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Today’s verse is really simple. 

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

Looking back, you now know that there is a process of self-discovery that no one can tell you about; it is the knowledge that God’s Love is real in your life.  It is not praise, and it is not worship; it is simply a place in time when you know, that you know, God has been a supernatural strength in your life the entire time. Yes. In good times and in bad, He has been with you! 
Like the poem, Footsteps in the Sand,  He has been carrying you the entire time!  L.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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​“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto Thee. Hide not Thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline Thine ear unto me; in the day when I call, answer me speedily.”   
Psalm 102:1-2
 


After taking a certification course to advance his career, a colleague of mine could not find a job in the field of his certification. A native of the West African country of Nigeria, and a naturally persistent guy, he began feeling the anguish of unemployment. With his savings dwindling, and bills piling up, he began his daily prayer ritual of asking God for a job, with the certainty that his new certification would speed up the process of finding employment. In addition, the certification offered a much anticipated opportunity to travel across the United States.  But unfortunately, no new opportunities arose.

He began to consistently ask God for a job —any job where he could use his newly acquired certification status.  One day after his regular prayer session, the phone rang.  Like most Nigerians, he preferred the balmy breezes of any warm climate; and, with fifty states to choose from, he was certain that he would be recruited to work in one of the Southern or Western states in the country.  When he answered the phone, the recruiter on the other end asked if he was interested in an out-of-town assignment. “ --Oh yes!”  He answered excitedly.  “Where?”   He asked, wondering about all the possibilities.  “ --Alaska.” The recruiter answered.  “But,” he continued, “--You have to be certified!”   
It was an obvious answer to his prayer, so he took the job.

He laughs while telling the story because he says, 
“It never occurred to me to be more specific when placing my petition before God. Of all the places I could have chosen, Alaska was definitely the last place on my list. To be honest, I was so desperate, I would have gone anywhere there was work. Although I was truly grateful, when I got off the phone, all I could do was laugh. God certainly has a sense of humor. I stayed in Alaska for the winter. —​Yes, I experienced winter in Alaska; elk, moose, and reindeer burgers!  All along I knew that God would not have given me something I could not handle!”  

Sometimes we neglect to acknowledge when God answers our prayers. We dismiss the events as mere coincidences, when in fact; it is the very hand of God within our circumstances. My friend could have dismissed the recruiter and the offer to live in Alaska for the winter; but he did not.  He recognized the blessing in his life and pursued his destiny, earning more in the few months he was in Alaska than most people earn in a year. 
Now, when he tells the “Alaska” story, he reminds people to be a little more specific when asking God for a particular blessing.  He tells everyone:             
“If you are not interested in going any-where, then make certain you don’t ask for just any-thing. Because, if you do, there’s a really good chance that you will get any-thing!”   L.  

Study Reference: Psalm 102:1-2
​ From: "An Answered Prayer." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Victoria Metaxas