"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
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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

           “For I, The Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I Will help thee.”          Isaiah 41:13

 
Fear is the greatest killer of dreams. For several years I planned to volunteer as an adult literacy instructor, with the hopes of encouraging two men I met to learn how to read. I can only imagine what it would be like to be illiterate, not in the negative connotation, but in the true definition of the word. I am fascinated at the high level of aptitude and social achievement those who cannot read, something many of us literally take for granted, are able to achieve. 

As Christians, we take literacy for granted, after all, aren't we supposed to read our Bible?  As a literacy volunteer, prior to receiving your own class you must sit and view a class in session, listening to the intimate interactions between the tutor and his / her students. Each class is made up of 6-7 students, ranging in age from about 20-70+, with one or two people representing each age group.  In the group I visited, two of the older students were motivated to learn how to read because they simply wanted to read their Bibles and hymnals in church. 

My first inclination upon entering the class was thinking that these students carried immense fear, shame, and embarrassment; however, after interacting with them for a few hours, I realized it was just the opposite. These students were extremely courageous! They had taken the initial steps necessary to eliminate what was previously  their shame, to ultimately conquer their fear. 

Conquering our fears with faith is the ultimate achievement for all Christians; it is our secret weapon against the wiles of the enemy.  Fear can rob all, including Christians, of their hope in the future and their faith in God.  Yet, it is in our fear that God offers the greatest strength.  He promises in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that, “...His strength is made perfect in our weakness.”  It is in this promise that we are given our salvation from fear.

So, no matter what ails you, threatens you, or scares you, believe this promise; faith in God is your ultimate weapon against whatever is thrown your way.  His strength is perfected in your weakness; the weaker you are, the stronger He is!  L. 

Study Reference: Isaiah 41:10-13, 2 Corinthians 12:9
From: "Fear Not!"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Raul Boesel

               
"For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begins with us, what shall the end be for them that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”    
1 Peter 4:17-18 

 

​It is interesting to note that when God planned the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, he began with judging the righteous first—the people who profess to believe in God.  It doesn't sound familiar?   Then let’s look it up. 
In Genesis 18:23-26, Abraham asks God, 

“Will Thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure, there be fifty righteous within the city; will Thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from Thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked; and that the righteous should get as the wicked, that be far from Thee; shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"

In a more modern version it would say, “Lord, suppose there were only fifty righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah, would You destroy the righteous with the wicked?"  And of course, God responds, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake.”

So, an entire nation would have been spared if fifty righteous people existed in Sodom and Gomorrah.  Most of us already know the dismal end of this story. Abraham, wondering if God will find fifty people, negotiates the number of the righteous down to ten people.  So, God promises Abraham if He finds ten--ten righteous people in the nation of Sodom and Gomorrah, he will spare the entire nation.  We can imagine that God, being God, searches the hearts of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and after not finding ten people who within their hearts stand on the side of righteousness, He destroys the two cities and its inhabitants. 

Let’s fast forward to today’s world. In our fast paced era with all its bells and whistles, fast cars and fast people; quick fixes and hot tempers; high tech and low standards, --where do you fit?  Many of us spend far too much time looking at, and complaining about, the routines of non-Christians and those who do not believe in God.  When in fact, we should be paying attention to the caveat found in today's verse, remembering that when the time comes, we will be judged first, not them.  Will we be found righteous in the eyes of God or as the verse says, scarcely saved?    

So, the question today is, if God approached a beloved human being today, the same way he appeared to Abraham, and told him or her that He planned on destroying your city tomorrow; would your city and its inhabitants be saved because of you? —Or, would you ignite the flame that burns the city?  L.  

Study Reference: 1 Peter 4:17-18, Genesis 18
From: "Starting With Us." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: istock

  "And another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”        Luke 9:61-62


In Genesis chapter 19, we learned the dismal fate of the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Both cities were destroyed because of the wicked behavior of the people. Yet, one of the most memorable parts of the story is Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt. Her penalty for turning around, pining for the city, the people, her family, and possibly her property as it all burned.  It may be difficult to understand why God would rescue her family, yet allow her to be destroyed, simply because, she disobeyed by looking back at the destruction, understandably rueful, about what she left behind.

Now that God has called you unto Him, do you sometimes remember the old days; the days when you used to do the things that were not of God? Does any part of you want to go back to the way things were?  -Are you rueful over the people and things that were consumed, although you were spared?  Every once in a while I remember the people who passed away because their lifestyle prompted such dangerous behavior, it seemed only a matter of time before they were consumed.  And, then I remember, “...there, but for the Grace of God, go I.” 

There will be times after God has rescued you out of a bad situation that you begin to feel rueful about those people and things left behind. -Somehow remembering only the good times, and forgetting the pain. Ideally, there will be times when you are supposed to return to your former life to help those left behind.  And, there will be other times when you will have to leave their rescue to God.  However, it will be up to you to pray for a sense of discernment to identify which one is within the will of God. -Because, if you are still looking back ruefully at your former life, maybe you are not as committed as you may believe you are; and, the act of interacting with those left behind, even to free them, may just end up entrapping you, instead of freeing them.  L.

Study Reference: Luke 17:32, Genesis 19:26, Luke 9:61-62
From: "Looking Back."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo image: istock

    "And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His Disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.'”     John 9:1-3


Nick Vujicic is an amazing man who travels the world speaking about the Blessings of abundance on his life in an attempt to achieve a personal goal of leading 15 million people to Christ. The thing I found most intriguing about Mr. Vujicic was his optimistic attitude about life, his powerful ability to persevere, and his pragmatic outlook on his missing limbs; you see, Mr. Vujicic has no arms or legs. 

As Mr. Vujicic was reading today’s verse, he felt so blessed when he read the last line, that he literally stopped asking God for limbs! He said he realized that, the way he was born was a testament to God’s Miracle and Love in his life. There was no reason to ask God “Why?” any longer. –And, there was now no reason to ask "What"  his life’s purpose was; he understood!  But, I have to say,  it was his statement about having an afterlife conversation with Jesus that truly gave me pause. It went something like this:
​
“I imagine Jesus asking me two questions, number one;
"Why did you ask for limbs, didn't you understand that I created you for My Glory?  –You are my walking, breathing miracle! " And, number two; "Whom did you bring with you?”"

Both questions are quite powerful for every person, with or without a physical disability!  When we look in the mirror, somehow, we needlessly want to change the way we were designed by God.  We believe we are too fat, too thin, too dark, too light, too short, or, too tall; just to name a few.  In our minds, something is always wrong with the way we were created. And, too often, as Christians, we forget that we are supposed to glorify God in all we do, lifting the hearts and minds of those whom we come in contact with, helping them to eventually see Jesus.  How can we do this if we are endlessly complaining about superficial things? 

As I watched Mr. Vujicic’s exuberance for Jesus, his acceptance of his life situation, and his optimistic outlook on his mission to save the world, it made me stop to reconsider my own life.  So consider this. The next time you feel like grumbling about any aspect of your life, or your lack of abundance in any way, check out one his videos on our Media page. There you can see more about his life and hear his personal testimony. 

His personal testimony will cure what ails you, it will remind you to respect the life you have, in the abundance that God has allocated to you.  And, more importantly, it offers a gentle reminder that, when it comes to God, no one is insignificant; every person counts. –Even you!  L.

Study Reference: John 9:1-41, Psalm 139:13-18 
From: "Tested For Abundance."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: hdwallpapers

   


"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.”  Psalm 30:11


There’s a Christian song in which the lyrics state,"You turned my mourning to dancing, You turned my sorrow to joy, You gave me beauty for ashes, you came and made my heart sing."   Yet, we are still taken by surprise by all types of issues that plague us for one reason or another; and, we meet people every day who are in various state of sadness. Who can be happy all the time?

Being a Christian is not necessarily about happiness, it is about innate joy. Happiness is normally based on something or someone; it fluctuates based on the time, place and state of mind that you are in.  Joy, on the other hand, is a state of being. It is understanding that God's Love for you supersedes the fluctuations of your day to day emotions, routines, or dilemmas.  -You can have true Joy and still be saddened by the current state of events surrounding your life or daily routine.  When the Bible speaks of Joy, it is really referring to a state of being.  -A radical sense of inner peace that governs our understanding of every event, good or bad, happy or sad.

As Believers, we learn to live in the moment, but, hope in the future. The current events in our lives do not shape us. We hold fast to the Ultimate Power of God. It shapes our reaction to each event with the confidence of understanding that, good or bad, happy or sad, God is still  in control. -And, ultimately, every circumstance that stands against us will fall into the category of, "This too, shall pass.”  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 30:11, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
From: "Your Thoughts: Joy!."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: Dautore

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​   "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith The Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.”       Jeremiah 29:11-13
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American writer, Henry David Thoreau, was born in 1817. He wrote in an era when the male majority literally had all the privileges of a new independence. Yet, he is credited with the quote: “Most men [and women] lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Thoreau wrote this statement contemplating his own personal understanding of quiet desperation and that of mankind.

At some point in our lives, we all suffer from secretly living in quiet desperation. For most of us, it occurs when we believe we are not fulfilling, or have no hope of realizing our God-given potential. For others, it is the full acceptance of mediocrity, both in themselves and others. It is safer to continue in the mundane routine of our daily lives, than to take the risk of the unknown, to break free of the quiet unlit embers that have somehow quelled the fire in our souls.

In today’s verse, God reminds us that no matter how dismayed we become, His thoughts towards us are of Divine Love and complete peace. No matter how discouraging our circumstances, when we call on the name of Jesus, the verse says, He will hear our plea and respond. There is absolutely no reason to go through your life in quiet desperation. At some point, you will have to really believe that God values your life’s potential.  After all, He was the One who placed it in you to begin with.

Take the time to really read your Bible; it was created to inspire deep internal thought about your life in relation to God. Use it as the ultimate tool to guide you in understanding the God-given potential for your life. Pray for guidance to alleviate any inner doubts so that you can internalize the depth of God’s Love towards you. Continue to write down your thoughts as you read. It will recalibrate your thinking to foster action, helping you to develop a keen awareness of your life’s purpose; and, eliminate that quiet desperation we often feel.  Believe that God values your life’s potential, because the contrary would be to agree with Thoreau, and, go to the grave with your  song still inside you. L.

Study Reference: Jeremiah 29:11-13 
From: "Quiet Desperation." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

“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. 

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 ​

     
"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins; return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.”          Isaiah 44:22
 
 
Today we are continuing our study of prayer’s correlation to forgiveness, and its relation to accessing the higher spiritual realm of answered prayers.  As written on the previous day’s post, Teach Us To Pray, and An Exercise In Forgiveness;  there is a direct relationship to your forgiveness of others, and your answered prayers.  Obviously, it does not mean that no  ne of your prayers will be answered if you do not forgive those who have hurt you; because, if that were true, there would be no prayers answered at all.  However, by releasing those whom you may be holding hostage in the dungeon of unforgiveness, you literally release the windows of Heaven to bless your life on a far greater level than whatever you are currently experiencing.  Consider making the prayer below a part of your morning, afternoon, and/or evening meditation for the next 21 days. You are probably thinking to yourself, “I am already so blessed; I cannot imagine what else God could possibly add to my life for a greater blessing!”  That’s probably true!  Yet, by uttering a prayer to aid in releasing the binds of unforgiveness in your spirit, for the next 21 days, you may just find out exactly what you have been missing!
 
First, find a quiet place to calm and relax your spirit.  Slow down your breathing; and, more importantly, remember to accept the words as you speak.  Below is a prayer to help you release the binds of unforgiveness.  
 
“Lord God, today I claim the power of forgiveness. I release those people in my life that I have held in the spiritual limbo of unforgiveness. I release it from my life. I promise, Oh Lord, that I will not hold on to the pain caused by others in my life –not one more day.

In honor of Your Love for me, I will utter these words daily, “I forgive you. I forgive you, I forgive you!” until I can feel the release of unforgiveness in my spirit.  As I release my pain to you, I will release to you those who have hurt me.  
Lord, I offer my heart, mind, body, and spirit to you for cleansing.  Allow Your Love to claim my heart so that I can offer compassion to those whom I believe have been harmful, disrespectful, or neglectful to me. Be patient with me.  
I claim the power of The Holy Spirit to help me overcome this obstacle in my life; and, I ask You to reveal the supernatural cleansing power of forgiveness over my life. 

Lord God, I ask for healing in my body, mind, heart, and spirit.  And, I claim your promise to open the windows of heaven to bless my life. Thank you for your Patience, Love, Compassion, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness. –In the precious name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. –Amen.”
 
If you add forgiveness to your life, eventually you will be able to spiritually dismiss every errant spirit that had you bound. You will be able to come from under the weight of unrelenting unforgiveness to experience the full freedom of God’s Love!  L.
 
Study Reference: Isaiah 44:22
From: “Teach Us to Pray, Too (II)” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: pinterest

       “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”      Matthew  6:9-15


​While I was writing, In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living; I learned that forgiveness would become a key factor in my personal life and in my ministry.  While writing, I realized that the Bible is full of forgiveness. (Consider reading, An Exercise In Forgiveness, and  Teach Us To Pray, Too.) As a matter of fact, the entire book is based on how God forgave humanity for our initial sin against Him. And, although the Bible is full of ancient stories concerning every aspect of modern life, many of them are stories of redemption by way of forgiveness. It was not until I began to research the Bible for my book that I also realized that many aspects of our spiritual growth, as Christians, are lessons learned based on forgiveness. But, as in all things, we must first begin with prayer.
 
Today, most Christians take prayer for granted; however, when Jesus walked among the multitudes, people really didn't pray. They took their supplications to the priest, along with their designated sacrifice, and the priest intervened on their behalf in regard to their need.  When the people asked Jesus how to pray, they really did not know that they could offer a plea or prayer directly to God, without being in front of an altar with a sacrifice.  That’s one of the reasons why His teachings were considered sacrilege by the Pharisees.

In Luke 11:1 the Bible says,
“And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
 
Depending how you were raised, the denomination you belonged to, and whether you really believe that you can speak directly to God, many things will factor into your decision to pray. Yet, let’s take a look at –The Lord’s Prayer; the prayer that Jesus taught His Disciples and the new Believers we now call Christians.
Let’s see how the components of The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 are broken down.
 
(9) After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven,

• This prayer opens with a salutation expressed directly to our Father in Heaven.

Hallowed be thy name.

• Immediately we are blessing the Name of God. It’s like visiting someone’s home, and after you greet them, you immediately tell them how wonderful they are! Needless to say, you will be welcomed into their home with love and gladness.

(10) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.

• This offers the power of agreement indicating that the kingdom of Heaven should reign. And, not only do you  come in peace and without conflict against God, you  agree that His reign should be on earth as it is in Heaven.
• You also recognize that God’s omnipotence reaches far above Heaven and earth, extending its command to cover your life. 

(11) Give us this day our daily bread.

• Like the manna that fell in the wilderness afresh daily, asking God for your daily bread expresses that you expect your provision to come from Him.

(12) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.*

• This statement is a provisional statement, signifying that you recognize, know, and accept that your forgiveness is provisional upon your forgiveness of others.

(13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

• This statement openly asks God for His leadership and guidance against those things that you might fall prey to.  It reaffirms your personal understanding and plea for salvation against the power of darkness.

For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever. Amen.

• And, of course, the last line signifies that you agree that the Kingdom of God be glorified, in the ultimate power of God for eternity.  

 
The interesting thing is that, you have only spoken The Lord's Prayer, and look at all that you have already said!
Now, there’s much more that you can say; but, if you have decided to offer this prayer only, it’s a really good place to start.   L.

Study Reference: Matthew 6:9-15, Luke 11:4
From: "Teach Us To Pray." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: picshype

           
​“For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.”        Hebrews 2:16-18

 
At some level we are both teachers and students simultaneously.  All pain, trials, tribulations, and triumphs are so that you can learn from the experience and teach others through your experience. 

There are some of us who must learn through the experience of "fire," and those of us who learn through the experience of understanding. For example, we offer the same caveat to two children, "Don't put your hand over the flame, it will burn you!"  The first child assesses the fire, understanding that the flame usually heats, chars, or completely burns food. He considers the warning, and understands that his hand will also burn.  On the other hand, the second child also assesses the flame, but thinks he can outwit the flame by moving his hand quickly. So, he tests the flame to see how long it will take for his hand to burn.  One child understands through the experience of the teacher, the other has to learn by his own unique experience. Which one are you?  

It took me a long time to realize that we need both types of people. One to reiterate the pain of the experience, and one to understand through empathy so that  the action will not be repeated.  Showing the scars of charred skin is a much more powerful deterrent than simply saying, "Don't touch the fire, it will burn you!"  Jesus Christ took on both the experience and the empathy so that He could understand the plight and temptation of mankind when He spent 40 days and nights under the temptation of Satan.

So, if your life prior to becoming a Christian was somewhat violent, extreme, painful, checkered, etc., and you are afraid to tell others of your life experience prior to becoming a Christian, think about this.  Will your unique experience help someone else, who may be on the verge of repeating a similar experience to your own, take the necessary detour to come to Christ?  If so, start by telling them your story…  L.

Study Reference: Hebrews 2:9-18 
From: "Experience vs. Empathy." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Alfred Kenneally  ​

 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened
unto you”   1 Peter 4:12
 

Have you been trying to figure out why so many trials keep coming your way; fiery trials with tribulations so severe you wonder whether you and Job are kinsmen? You look around and see so many people prospering who are sworn enemies of God; people who have no reference of the Gospel; and, those who have consciously decided that, not only do they not believe in God, but that God does not exist. 

You go to work, and work harder than most, but somehow your job is the one in jeopardy. Your money is short every month, and your bills are high; your family is crazy or almost there; and your love life is on the lam or on the rocks.  Meanwhile, you are purposely keeping the faith, reading your Bible, and praying until your knees are black and blue. You wonder to yourself if you are doing something wrong. 

No one ever told you that when you became a Christian life was going to be so difficult.  Had you known, maybe you would have made a different decision. Those Christians you met early on were so happy for you when you decided to allow Jesus into your life, it never occurred to you to ask questions.  So, you were baptized and happily changed your lifestyle. Were they fooling you? Now, it is just one thing after another; and, you feel like running away and not looking back. Before, it was easier to do your own thing without any remorse, without any anxieties about insulting God.  Sounds familiar?   

Imagine for a moment being one of the first Christians after the resurrection of Jesus. Not an Apostle, but a Believer who converted simply because he or she believed. Imagine their persistent determination under the constant threat of the Sanhedrin and other early persecutors. Consider their bravery in the face of daily persecution, opposition, and threats. Yet, they still believed.  At least today, no matter what you are going through, you have a powerful brotherhood/ sisterhood whom you can openly go to for replenishment in the face of adversity.  

Today’s verse refers to the fiery trials; the trials we go through to build our resolve. —Concentrated trials used to determine what kind of Christians we are going to be.  —The kind who runs at the first sign of trouble, or the one that stands up for righteousness for His Name sake? —The kind who reverts to old habits or the one that holds fast to faith, understanding that Jesus will never forsake those who love Him?  

The fiery trials will come, it is up to you whether it destroys you or empowers you; propels you to cast your Bible down, or prompts you to hold your Bible high.  It is not easy being a Christian, but Beloved, it never was.  L.  

Study Reference: 1 Peter 4:12-14
​From: "Strange Occurrences." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Cardiff Peter Kennelly

           




















   "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”     Hebrews 10:23-24


It is a little eerie when a scripture stays in your head and continues to appear unexpectedly. Some time ago, in church, we had an enormous breakthrough during a spirit-filled “High” Holy Day. It began with an Elder’s reading of Habakkuk 3:17-19, and was paired with her ardent prayers and supplication to God based on those three verses. It culminated with a brilliant sermon, filled with the Hope of God and God’s Love for humanity. This scripture has stayed with me since, and has prompted me to look at the cycle of our relationship with God. 

At the beginning of our romance with God, we begin the dating process superficially —He looks good; and, it feels good to be with Him. Many times whatever we want—we get; but for the most part, without really getting into the depth of faith necessary to sustain a great long-lasting relationship. However, as we continue to date God, there are times when our desires will not be advantageous to Him, and how we react to not receiving our desire will make all the difference whether or not we develop the depth of faith necessary to remain faithful in a crisis. (Isn't it the same in a human relationship? Don’t we really want someone who is there for us in a crisis —someone who doesn't run or waver at the first sign of trouble?) 

Habakkuk 3:17-19, is one of those passages invoking Christians to offer praise and thanksgiving unto God, even though we are unable to see the visual manifestations of His Love in our lives. It is quite powerful because, it offers the opportunity and insight to accept our circumstances with the understanding that God still cares no matter how great our obstacles, trials, or tribulations may appear. You can imagine it as the book of Job in three verses. “Yea, though Thou slay me, I will still believe.”  It is a powerful reminder of God’s Love affair with mankind, and an affirmation of our love to Him.  God’s Faithfulness is unquestionable; we know that God will come through for us in a crisis! Our faith however, can waver like the wind.

Take the time to remind yourself of God’s Blessings in your life, and give thanks whether you can see the visual manifestations of His Love or not. It will not only strengthen your relationship, but it will increase your depth of faith so, when necessary, like all real relationships, you can come through for Him in a crisis.  L.

Study Reference: Habakkuk 3:17-19, Hebrews 10:22-24
From: "Faithful In A Crisis." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo credit: living well ministries

     
​ "..Simon Peter said unto them, "I go a fishing." They say unto him, "We also go with thee." They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore; but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said unto them, "Children, have ye any meat?" They answered Him, "No."   And He said unto them, "Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find." They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”   
John 21:3-6 


Like many Americans, I believe that the most proven way to have monetary wealth is to be an entrepreneur. We have only to look at, Forbes 100 Richest People in America, to find that more than 90% are entrepreneurs or the heirs of entrepreneurs. 

The problem is, being an entrepreneur is never easy; it tests the limitations of your beliefs. If you really want to learn who you are and what you truly stand for, create a cash reserve (very important), stop your daily 9-5 (gradually if possible), and become an entrepreneur.  Whether you open a store, create a product, work from home online, or are part of one of those multi-level marketing businesses; your stamina, faith, and core beliefs, will be tested. There will be things you learn about your core beliefs that will shock you. Your core beliefs will be threatened; and, you will be asked to do things for monetary gain that will either test your faith or enhance your lack of faith. You will learn your true feelings about money in relation to God, time, love, and people (family, friends, business associates, etc.)  
I added love to the list, because it will test the true depths of your deepest relationships.  And, if you don’t know God as yet -you will.  —All this, and still most entrepreneurs would not trade places with their 9 am-5 pm counterparts. 

When we look at the motley crew Jesus selected as His twelve Apostles, He chose very specifically.  At least 1/3 of His Apostles were entrepreneurs; fishermen by trade: Peter, Andrew, James, and John, had to rely on the ocean for a living. Like most entrepreneurs relying on the ocean for a living, you must have faith to believe that you will reap a bounty you cannot clearly see in so vast an ocean. The test for most Christian entrepreneurs will be obedience. The kind of obedience found in today’s biblical verse, where Jesus tells Peter and the others to cast their nets on the RIGHT side of the boat; even though, they have just spent an entire day and night reaping absolutely nothing from the ocean.  Nevertheless, they were obedient.  And, as a result of their obedience, they received a net so full of the ocean’s bounty that they had difficulty reeling it in. 

So, for the entrepreneurs who are having difficulty extending their limits, it’s time to step up your faith, focus on obedience, and cast your net on the RIGHT side. This way, like Peter, you too will reap an overflowing bounty so full from God, you will have difficulty reeling it in alone. L. 

Study Reference: John 21:3-6, Matthew 9:28-29 
​From: "Christian Entrepreneurs." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Corey Arnold

​  "Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all thine iniquities; Who heals all thy diseases; Who redeems thy life from destruction; Who crowns thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”    Psalm 103:1-5
 

Most of us know the verse “...by His stripes we are healed,”  found in the book of Isaiah chapter 53.  As Christians, it is the basis why we do not claim any ailment that comes into our life.  Our premise is that, as Jesus Christ was flogged, bloodied, hammered, and nailed to the cross at Calvary, He bore the brunt of every disease known to mankind.

Yet, in reality, many of the problems we experience with ailments and illnesses within our bodies come from our own lack of forgiving ourselves. The human mind, body, and spirit is so highly complex and integrated, that somehow, subconsciously, when we do not forgive ourselves, it is because we believe that we deserve whatever physical issue we are experiencing; not understanding that, if you are a professed Christian, Jesus has already forgiven you! –Now, you must forgive yourself! 

You literally have to accept the fact that God has already forgiven you for whatever it is that you believe you have done.  And yet, sometimes your own lack of unforgiveness is compounded by the external. –Other people who knew you prior to your decision to clean up your life may not have forgiven you.  –Or, those who knew you prior to your Confession of Faith may not believe in your sincerity.  Well, at some point, you will have to make a decision. Do you believe what God says about you; or, what others say about you?  –The proof of the one you believe will be your life.

Ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt or harmed. And yes, you will have to ask!  Once you have humbled yourself and asked in sincerity, it is up to them to forgive you for what you have done.  Keep in mind that, your request for the other person’s forgiveness is mostly for you. Their forgiveness of your deed is mostly for them.  And, your request for forgiveness is healing for you; while their acceptance to forgive you, is healing for them. 
Then, every day, look into a mirror and say, “My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has forgiven me; and today, by the Grace of God, I forgive myself.”  Do this daily until you can truly, truly believe it.  So finally, once and for all, you can let the healing begin.  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 103:1-5
From: “Your Thoughts: The Healing of Forgiveness.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Ombrella by La Tigre Bianca

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”    Proverbs 27:17


My mother once said to me, "You love your friends more than you do your family!"  Of course, I said, "No, that's ridiculous!"

Then one day, I actually thought about what she said, and thought to myself, "Hmmm... She just may be right!”  Haven't you ever thought to yourself, "God, what were you thinking when you hooked me up with these crazy people!  -Are you sure they're connected to me by blood? They're all nuts!  –Am I the only sane one in this family?” 

The truth is, our friends were hand-picked for the traits we have in common, our ethics, ideals, and how we complement each other. We love being with them. On the other hand, our family was divinely designed by God to sometimes thoroughly work our last already shredded nerve! There are times when we simply want to throw up our hands and just walk away.  –But of course, they'll know exactly where to find us!  

Did you know that when God arranged the birth order in your family, He also predetermined a group of very specific traits for you to use based on your birth order?  First-born children tend to be natural leaders within their families, and tend to be the natural go-to person when there is a family problem; their ethics and standards are usually the closest to the standards instilled by your parents. Middle children are natural mediators; they can easily toggle between two colliding groups to find common ground.  And, of course, the babies in the family are natural born entertainers, easily and dramatically pulling the entire family together around them.   

At first, when we select our friendships, we naturally gravitate towards the complement we are looking for based on what we believe we are lacking. The first connection is visual, then, it gets deeper. We've all seen them; those friends who complement each other, the tall skinny kid with the short chubby kid; the extremely dark-skinned child with the very light-skinned child; an extremely studious kid with the class clown, and the extroverted with the shy. 

As we get older and establish deeper friendships, we seek out those whose values, core beliefs, and ethics somehow complement our own. God is truly wonderful!  He took the time to set up our lives so that we would easily gravitate towards friends who complement and empower us.  Sometimes we take our friends for granted, knowing that they will be there when and if we need them, never quite remembering that, they might just need us!  
Today, thank God for establishing your friendships; and then, take some time to thank those who you consider friends.  L.   

Study Reference: Proverbs 27:17, 18:24
From: "The Friendship Connection." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
​photo: istock


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"And I have given you a land for which ye did not labor, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive-yards which ye planted not, do ye eat.”  
​Joshua 24:13


When we speak about being "blessed" by God, we usually mean that we are reaping where we have not sown. And, the reality is, many times the blessings we receive emanate from a completely unexpected source. Our tiny mustard seed of faith, watered and blessed by God, spreads across the earth taking our hopes and dreams with it. 

When the children of Israel left the wilderness, they were confounded in the Promise Land; they had no idea how they were going to survive. It was completely inconceivable to them, where they would live, what they would eat, or whom they would encounter. Although God had already foreseen and taken care of their every need, forty years had passed, and the new younger generation needed to learn how to trust God on their own. 

Joshua reminded this new generation how vitally important it was for them to continue to follow the laws of God, not simply because He was God; but because, He had blessed them abundantly, allowing them to destroy their enemies, and to reap where they had not sown.

Today's verse, found in the book of Joshua, speaks about the blessings God gave to the Children of Israel after they crossed over the Jordan River.  It was a reminder to remember the bestowing of the land that He handed to them in the presence of their enemies. Like the Children of Israel, sometimes, as a modern Believer, you may need a gentle reminder to acknowledge God's Blessing in your life.  

When you follow God’s agenda, He will bless you beyond your imagination; and, without question, you will reap where you have not sown. You will prosper where others have begun the work and given up. You will lay claim to abundance, although you did not create it. —And, you will gain that, which you did not labor. You simply have to remember to obey God and trust in His Word.  L.

Study Reference: Joshua 24:1-31, Deuteronomy 6:10-11 
Excerpt From:"Reaping, Not Sown." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo credit: Loews

               

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul…”      Psalm 23:1-3
 

No matter where we live in the world, somehow when we find the beauty of God’s natural landscape, it soothes our soul. It prompts us to breathe deeply, sit serenely, and simply be. It doesn’t matter if you prefer the ocean, the mountains, or the woods.  It is almost as if our soul acknowledges God’s handiwork, pausing for a well-deserved moment of reverence. 

If you live in a rural town, you probably take your natural surroundings for granted.  And being in the city can make you a little anxious without understanding why you feel completely under siege every time you visit.  If you live in the city, taking a much deserved trip to the countryside, coastline, or mountains, allows your spirit to breathe in the natural elements needed to sustain you.  It is your spirit’s reminder to release the cares of the world and simply take in the replenishing breath of God’s air. 

One day, I watched as four children, all riding various apparatus with wheels, race on the sidewalk of a busy street.  As they were racing up the hill headed my way, the lead racer, a boy on a bicycle about seven or eight years old, slowed down and got off his bicycle in the middle of the walkway. “—Wait! Wait! —Watch-out!”  He gently shouted to the other children coming up behind him.  “Wait! —Look!  Be careful!”  He continued saying while looking down at the ground. The others, wondering what could possibly prompt the leader of the race to descend from his sleek black two-wheeled chariot, slowed their wheels to a halt. “—What? —What is it?”  They each repeated one after another.  As they all huddled, he pointed to a single small yellow daisy on the ground. The petals on the daisy were no larger than the size of a quarter, and the stem no longer than two inches.  “O-O-Oh,” they all said slowly, marveling at the fallen daisy on the sidewalk.  Then, one by one, they slowly mounted their respective chariots, maneuvering around that daisy, leaving it as they found it; untouched by their hands, or the racing wheels of their respective chariots. I stood there in awe of the entire scene. 

I thought about that incident the entire day; wondering why that young leader of the pack felt inclined to descend from his racing chariot so easily, giving up what appeared to be that carefree jubilant spirit most children hold on to while riding their bikes; simply to look at a small yellow daisy in the middle of the sidewalk. 

Life can be so chaotic. Today there is so much hustle and bustle mesmerizing us, it inhibits the flow of God’s energy to and from our spirit, inducing us to easily lose focus of the things that really matter.  That small child, even in his race to the finish line, was still able to stop and find the extraordinary beauty of a small yellow daisy.

So, the question today is; when was the last time you descended from your racing chariot to indulge in the simple beauty of a small yellow daisy?  L.     

Study Reference: Psalm 23:1-3
From: "He Restores My Soul" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Elena Ray

   "Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression 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 Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”    Micah 7:18-19

 
A few months ago, I was looking at some photos, and saw today’s photograph by Jason DeCaires Taylor, an artist who sculpts various life-sized subjects and places them in the shallow waters off the coast of various countries. As I looked at the photographs, I recalled today’s verse in which God has promised that whatsoever He has forgiven of Believers, He will place in the bottom of the sea, not to be remembered any more.

Yet sometimes, we forget that, when God says He has forgiven you for the sins of your past, He really has forgiven you for the sins of the past.  And yet still, God takes it one step further; He tells us that He “will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”  —What most people do not know is that, the ocean depth is so deep, that no human or any of the machines that we have created can go into the true depths of the ocean floor.  Our man-made machines and diving gear simply cannot withstand the pressure of the ocean.  The closest that we have gotten is 6500 feet below the surface of the ocean, and even at that level, there are still fish and other sea creatures that we have never seen. 
So, 6500 feet/ 1981.2 meters, is just the tip of the ocean depth.  

In other words, like a steel vault covered by the immeasurable pressure of the ocean, God has placed our sins under the ocean floor so that once He has forgiven us, no human can access it, dig it up, or drag it back to the shoreline of the beach. —Not even YOU.  —Hmmm,... I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to raise both my hands and shout,“Hallelujah!  —​Amen!”   L.

Study Reference: Micah 7:18-19
From: “Into The Depth of The Sea.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Jason DeCaires Taylor 
*[On 26 March 2012, Cameron reached the bottom of the Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the Mariana Trench. The maximum depth recorded during this record-setting dive was 10,908 metres (35,787 ft).[42] Measured by Cameron, at the moment of touchdown, the depth was 10,898 m (35,756 ft). It was the fourth-ever dive to the Challenger Deep and the second crewed dive (with a maximum recorded depth slightly less than that of Trieste's 1960 dive). It was the first solo dive and the first to spend a significant amount of time (three hours) exploring the bottom.[1]]  *Quoted from Wikipedia
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