"...While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, “Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house.  And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.”  Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshiped,  And said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!”     Job 1:18-21 

 
The first time I read the book of Job in the Bible, I was in shock, literally.  It was one of those instances where I felt particularly ambitious about reading yet another book of the Bible, and somewhere in my memory, I recalled the seniors referring to Job.  If you grew up around your Grandmother’s friends or other senior adults, you may have heard them say at one time or another, “Lord, you got to have the patience of Job to deal with these kids!”  
I remembered this phrase as I was trying to make my decision, so my curiosity about Job made the selection easy.  I began reading page after page; Shock!  Incident after incident; Shock!  If I were reading a disaster novel, it could not have been any more disastrous!  When Job’s wife said, “Do you still retain your integrity? —Curse God and die!” I was stunned!  I had to keep going back to the beginning of the story where God describes Job as “perfect and upright” to confirm that God did not actually hate him.  By the time I finished the book, I simply stared at my closed Bible thinking, “If this is what God does to those that are upright and blameless, what about the rest of us! —We don’t stand a chance!”  I had tons of questions. Over the years, these are some of the principles I have learned after reading the book of Job several times:

•     God knows your heart and how much your spirit is able to endure.
•     Although Satan walks to and fro on the earth, even he honors the will of God.
•     Nothing happens in our life that God is not aware of, cannot stop, and cannot restore.
•     Faith, full and patient, is the only way to make it through any hurdles you may be experiencing.
•     The person you select/ accept as your spouse must love, trust, and have some level of unwavering faith in you.
•     Even if your friends really care about you, they are not always right.
•     And finally, if you are a friend and you offer advice, make certain your advice falls within the will of God; if not, you will be held accountable and will have to make restitution to God.

When you read the book of Job you may find other concepts. I am certain if I reread it today, I would discover new principles I missed previously. I must admit, Job is still not my favorite book of the Bible, however because of his endurance we have a remarkably graphic example of what it means to extend our faith in God, no matter what happens in our life.  L.  

Study Reference: Job 1:1-22, 42:1-17 
​ From: "The Book of Job."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Corey Arnold

 "... And Jesus answering said unto them, “They that are whole need not a Physician; but they that are sick.  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”    Luke 5:31-32
 

Today, let’s take a look at people who were considered the very pinnacle of sin in ancient Judea—the tax collectors; or, as the Bible calls them --Publicans.  First, we have to understand that publicans, like our tax collectors today, were looked upon with disdain.  Just imagine, it’s been 2000 years, and most people still don’t like tax collectors or those who work for them. However, in the time of Jesus it was utter sacrilege to be a tax collector; since, their job was closer in virtue to organized crime. It was similar to how mobsters skim money from local businesses within a designated area. —No one liked tax collectors; even their families were ashamed of what they did for a living.  All tax collectors were outcasts within Judean society and considered the worst sinners; so, like true mobsters, they primarily socialized only with other tax collectors.  Luke 5:26-32 says:

“And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying,  "We have seen strange things
today."  And after these things He went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He said unto him, "Follow Me."  And he left all, rose up, and followed Him.  And Levi made Him a great feast in his own house; and there was a great company of publicans and others that sat down with them.  But the scribes and Pharisees murmured against His disciples, saying, "Why do Ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?”" 

Or, one of my personal favorites found in Luke 19:2-7:
“And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus, who He was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him: for He was to pass that [way].  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house."  And he made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully.  And when they saw [it], they all murmured, saying, ‘That He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.’”

Imagine for a moment, just how hated the tax collectors were. They were hated by the common people, the wealthy, the farmers, and the priests.  --Everyone hated the tax collectors; and yet, Jesus saw fit to not only interact with them, but to literally invite Himself to dine and commune with the chief among them. 

Let’s fast forward to today, what does this have to do with you?  There are many people in and out of the body of Christ who we believe are chief sinners. They have done the unthinkable; murder, robbery, adultery, fornication, porn, etc. They have cursed, slandered, hated, committed genocide, profited from wars, slavery, starvation, and trafficking.  Most of us consider them the chief among sinners; and yet, the Bible says:
"... Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference; for all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God, and all are justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."   Romans 3:22-24

Like Levi and Zacchaeus, representatives of the chief among sinners in their day, God offers you Grace: "The free and unmerited Favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings; if, like them, you accept the calling of Jesus Christ.  Christ calls YOU, by name, to follow Him. When you heed His call, you open the opportunity for Him to commune bountifully with you, bringing His Gifts, Blessings, Love and Forgiveness. 
—So yes, like the chief among sinners, you too can dismiss the burden of past sins, and accept the full blessing of God’s unmerited favor!  L.

Study Reference: Genesis 32:28, Luke 5:31-32, Luke 5:26-32, Luke 19:2-7
From: "The Chief Sinner." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock
​

  “And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; …But as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.”    Joshua 24:15


One day while visiting another church, I was asked to pray for the church’s upcoming event by the prayer ministry leader. So, I asked everyone seated in the sanctuary to join our group, in prayer, for the church.  After we prayed together, we planned to conduct a prayer walk; however, seated in the back of the church were four young men quietly talking. They were about 14-16 years old; and, they had already planned not to participate in the prayer walk.

I spoke to them about praying for their families, friends, and loved ones.  And, I explained the importance of prayer, especially for young men living in an urban environment where madness and mayhem are the norm. I told them that they had to really start practicing the art of praying for each other, since somehow, all their male teenage friends seemed to have a bull’s-eye painted on their backs. By the time my soliloquy ended, they had decided to join the others in praying for their church. 

Young men, one half of our most valuable assets, are growing up without truly understanding the importance of prayer. Ordinarily, we pray for them. They are the key subject keeping many mothers on their knees in prayer. However, we rarely teach them how to pray for themselves or their friends.  Although we should be certain to teach both young men and women to pray, young men are uniquely different teenagers than their female counterparts. They are much more daring; sometimes taking risks with all types of precarious behavior that places them directly in harm’s way and into the arms of the Enemy. We cannot simply pray for them; we have to teach them how to pray for themselves: and, with and for their friends. —Since ultimately, there is a very good chance that their friends are the ones they will be with when trouble ensues. —And, keep this in mind, no child is exempt; trouble follows all our children.

Whether there are social gatherings, family issues, personal problems, friendship woes, dating flubs, or peer pressure; take the time to teach your teenagers to pray for themselves and for all their pressing issues, so they can get accustomed to praying as a response to all types of problems. This way, when you need prayer they can pray for you; and, on that day when you are no longer there, they will know how to call on the name of the Lord in their  time of trouble.  L.

Study Reference: Joshua 24:14-18 
Excerpt from: "As For Me & My House."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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


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

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

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

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

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

​ 
"But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought; but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him."  
2 Kings 5:20

 
There are times when, through the urging of God, you will be a blessing to someone else, taking nothing in return for bestowing your talent or gift. 
​—With the understanding that, in the act of giving your gift, you have already received a greater gift.   

When the Prophet Elisha healed Naaman, Naaman wanted to repay him for using his prophetic gift of healing.  Elisha refused his gifts; but, his servant, Gehazi, coveted the gifts for himself, and devised a lie to deceive Naaman into giving him the gifts intended for Elisha.  When he received the gifts through deception, he had no choice but to hide them from the prophet, not understanding that God had already revealed to Elisha his act of deceit and betrayal.
​By the time Gehazi returned to the compound, Elisha knew in spirit about the deception. And so, the gift of healing that was given to Naaman, removing his leprosy, was transferred by God, giving leprosy to Gehazi.  

We can imagine that Gehazi witnessed Elisha healing the poor on many occasions. Yet, Elisha refused to accept their meager gifts, understanding that the poor could barely afford to offer the gifts that they brought to him. And yet, this time, noticing the opulent gifts of Naaman, he was certain Elisha would accept at least some of the gifts. When Elisha did not accept any of the gifts, Gehazi seized the opportunity to sow what was really in his heart. —Coveting!
​
Many people covet the blessings of others, not taking into consideration the trials and tribulations those blessed by God have actually endured. They simply do not understand that the blessings received by others is a direct result of their endurance; and, by coveting their blessing, you just may receive their curse to test your endurance —an endurance test not originally meant for you.  

Today, we are bombarded by the lifestyles of the rich and famous.  We follow celebrities and covet their lifestyles and life choices, not realizing that they have their own life burdens to deal with; such as, the lack of privacy, the pretentious love of others, a constant bombardment of deception and betrayal by those closest to them, and a slew of other woes.  Of course, not all celebrities are laden with these issues, but many are.

Set a course to endure those burdens set before you.  Do not covet those things that are for others.  Should you dream of a better life? —Of course! Those dreams were placed there by God for you to pursue.  Your blessings are for you and those whom you share them with.  However, do not try to take what does not belong to you; it will not bless your life.  —And unfortunately, like Gehazi, you just may find yourself with the curse, long before you ever receive the blessing.  L. 

Study Reference: 2 Kings 5:20
From: "A Common Curse." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Momtastic

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​"And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you; take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore; meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot-breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand; He knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness; these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.” 
Deuteronomy 2:4-7 

 
It is interesting to note that during the 40 years that Israel walked in the wilderness, they lack nothing; God took care of their every need.  Furthermore, by the time they found themselves leaving the wilderness and going towards the Promised Land, God would instruct them not to “meddle” with certain people they found along the way.   Since, the people whose land that they would pass through had already received a previous promise from Him.  In this case, the land the Israelites would pass through had already been given to the descendants of Esau and Lot; men who were highly favored by God through their own stories. 

There are going to be times when there are things, people, or opportunities you desire, pray for, or simply want that have already been promised to someone else.  And, in order to receive it, you will have to pay for it, sometimes dearly —simply because it is not yours for the taking, and will not come freely. There will  be a cost extracted from you for the provisions you will need.  However, isn't it wonderful to know that once you have been given the promise of a blessing to come, God will not allow anyone or anything to take it from you, except maybe your own arrogance and ego.

Hasn't it happened to you where you worked on a task, a job, or had an opportunity where it seemed the heavens opened for you?  Everything you touched flourished easily and flawlessly; it was simply yours for the taking.  Your ears were fine-tuned to God, and your steps seemed custom-ordered for you. You listened intently. Then, because of your ego, arrogance, or lack of obedience, the next tiny issue, something that should have been simple, turned into a major dilemma and somehow you had to pay for it dearly. 

Take the time today to pray for a sense of discernment; the ability to know the difference between what is for you from God, and what is not.   This way you don’t waste time confusing the two; trying desperately to take the things that are not for you, paying dearly; and, ignoring the things that really are for you and not seizing the opportunity.   L. 

Study Reference: Deuteronomy 2:2, Genesis 11:24-27, 12:1-4
From:"When It Is Not Yours."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: ​Kian Krashesky ​​

 "If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.”         Job 36:11-12


It's true; I previously wrote, the hardest thing about being a Christian is forgiving those who have hurt you, especially those who have damaged you to your very core. The second has to be obeying God. In truth, obedience is first; because, if we obeyed, then forgiveness would be a non-issue. 

Most Christians liken obedience to lightly obeying the Ten Commandments, and adhering to church dogma. However, in many instances, obedience comes down to God moving you in a direction you believe you are not prepared to go. He may ask you to speak to people you really don't want to interact with. He may ask you to do something you definitely never planned on doing. Or, you may be asked to go to the very last place on earth, you said, you would never be caught dead in. 

We have many examples in the Bible of those who openly obeyed God, and those who did not. Moses in fear, asked God to send his brother Aaron to speak with Pharaoh instead, because he felt he was a terrible speaker. (Exodus 4:10-16)  On the other hand, a young David obeyed; showing no fear, he picked up his slingshot and stepped onto the battlefield to defeat a looming Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:32-54)  Both had their successes and failures along the way.

The thing to remember, is God's Will, will be done. Whether you decide to obey or not, His Will, will be accomplished. Why not eliminate your own fears and allow Him to work through you, instead of without you.  L.

Study Reference: Job 36:1-12
From: "The "O" Factor." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: eskipaper

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

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

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

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

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

​“O keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in Thee.”   ​Psalm 25:20


In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living,  has several devotions on the book of Job; however, Job is not my favorite book of the Bible.  I love the prose and the poetry penned as Job is questioning God. The writing is absolutely beautiful.  And, I especially love when God responds.  I find it fascinating that God actually pauses to ask Job, “Where were YOU when I laid the foundation of the earth?  Who shut up the sea with doors when it broke forth as if it had issued out of the womb?  -Were YOU there ...When I wrapped it in swaddling cloth... and said, here shall thou come, but no further... Here shall your proud waves be stayed!” 

So yes, I am fascinated that the sea does not break forth as tsunamis each and every day, on every continent, on every island, killing all non-swimming life on the planet.  And yes, it is with pride that I believe in God and the promises of His Word.  It is with pride, and sometimes, much too proudly, that I put my trust in Him and prompt others to do the same.  –But, sometimes, like Job, God will question us.  Sometimes, God will ask us, “Were YOU there?”   Sometimes, He will shame us into understanding that, He is not at our command; we are at His.  And, no matter how wonderfully arrayed we are displayed, to Him, we are but dust.  It is the reason that, as Christians, we come to Him under the covering of Jesus. 

So Beloved, there will be times when you've put your trust in God; times when you've prayed, pled, begged, supplicated, pondered, confessed, cried, screamed; or, even been shamed into understanding that, sometimes, you simply will not get what you want, when YOU want it. –It is God's way of asking you, "Were YOU there ...?"  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 25:20
From: “Your Thoughts: Were You There?"In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

​"Who can understand his errors?  Cleanse Thou me from secret faults.”    Psalm 19:12

​
Even as Christians, there are errors that we have made in the past that can be seen by others when they look at the frayed edges of our lives. And, there are errors that we have made that are completely unknown to anyone. They are the secret ones; those known only to us and no one else. Sometimes, in an effort to cleanse ourselves —to purge its remnant effects from our spirit, we may tell one other person. But somehow, it is never enough.

The Bible calls these secrets errors, presumptuous sins. They are the ones we hide; the ones we are ashamed of; the ones we believe if anyone ever found out, we would be ruined, disgraced, even suicidal. So, we secretly condemn ourselves, quietly suffering in silence; even though, they are quietly tucked away in the past.

And Yet, God created a solution for the presumptuous sins of a repentant heart. The dictionary defines it as:
“The free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.” As Christians, we simply call it, Grace.  Like the other gifts of God, Grace was given to you as part of your redemption, forgiveness, and salvation when you accepted Jesus into your life. 

So, maybe today will be the day that you finally stop condemning yourself for your past errors, and accept all that God has already freely given to you —by His Grace.  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 19:12, Psalm 32
From: "Your Thoughts: By His Grace!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Loews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you.”      
Matthew 10:20


At the opening ceremony of one of my favorite museums, I spotted a woman that I had not seen in a while. And, although we were not friends, we always greeted each other with a smile. 

"I can't believe you are here!”   She said, smiling at me, “—I have been looking for you for one year! "     
"No,"  I said,  "-I don't think it's been that long."   
“-Yes!"  She said firmly, 
"-It has been exactly a year! And, I was hoping that you would be here!"    I started to laugh out loud, "Hmm,... sounds serious, I don't owe you money, do I?"   We both began to laugh.  "-No.”  She said, continuing with some level of excitement. “-I just really wanted to thank you and tell you how much you helped me! -You were so right! "   She said smiling. "-And, it worked out just as you said it would!"   "Really?"  I said; trying desperately to remember what we actually spoke about one year earlier, while hoping that she would give me a hint.  

I vaguely recalled telling her that the issue she was facing may be God's way of moving her in a different direction; but, for the life of me, I could not remember the details.  And, after rattling my aging brain for a while, I finally said, "What exactly was it that I said to you?"    Looking a little stunned, she said, "You really don't remember?"   
"-No."  I said, more amazed that she was amazed that I did not remember the specifics of our year-old conversation.
"Well,"   She said, "-I have to believe that God needed for me to hear what He was trying to tell me. I was being hard-headed and would not listen. So, He used you so I could hear His Voice from someone else."
Although she never filled in the details, I had to agree; because, to this day, I still cannot recall the specific details of our conversation. 

Christians asking for The Power to speak to others about Jesus, is probably less common than God asking us to speak to others about Him. Often, there is fear. —Fear of rejection, ridicule, and a lack of knowledge associated with speaking to others about Jesus. However, Jesus understands our fears and in most instances will prompt us to action.

There will be times when, we will be in the right place, at precisely the right time to help someone else understand why Jesus loves them. On some of those occasions it will be our words, on other occasions, it will be our actions. We do not have to remember the details; we simply have to remember that we are living testimonies to the Life, Love, and Power of Jesus Christ. L.

Study Reference: Matthew 10:20
From:"The Power to Speak."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"...Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I am come into deep waters where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying; my throat is dried; mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”     Psalm 69:1-3 

 
I met a young woman who was admitted into the hospital because she was at the end of her rope, literally.  She had tried to do the unthinkable by deciding to end her life in an attempted suicide.  When I heard the surface details of her life, she should have been proud; her accomplishments would have made anyone proud. Yet somehow she became so disconnected from God that taking her life seemed her only option.  

The day I met her, she had already received counseling, medication, and some much needed attention from more healthy souls.  When I made an attempt to pronounce her name correctly, she smiled a beautiful shy smile, and said, Perfect!”      “What a beautiful name,” I said, “--What does it mean?”     She looked at me for a moment and quietly said, “A river runs through heaven.”   I repeated the words, “…a river runs through heaven…, —​how beautiful!”  

My eyes began to well with tears; I knew why she was there, and although I wasn't supposed to get involved, I looked at her and said, “You are a blessed child and well loved.  When you were born, your mother looked into your eyes, saw your beautiful face and declared… a river runs through heaven.”  She beamed with the innocent smile of a young girl.  I continue to remember her beautiful smile even now as I write this, and my eyes easily well up with tears. Think of it; a river running through heaven—holy replenishment from God. Not simply well water, or rain, but clean refreshing water moving rapidly to find you and replenish your soul—a river running through heaven.   I came home with her on my mind and have decided to take the time to pray for her every day until the burden leaves me.  

Young people are more prone to suicide than most people are aware; they are especially sensitive to their surroundings, to other people, and those they love. After her suicide attempt, the counselors asked her what prompted her attempt to take her life. She told them that she missed her home and the love of her family. So remember, just because someone seems to have it together, does not mean they do.  Take the time to ask young people about their feelings.  Share God’s Word of Life with them. But more importantly, remember to open your heart and share God’s Love with them.   L.

Study Reference: Psalm 69:1-3 
From: "A River Runs Through Heaven." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wallpaper.com

**I recently watched two short videos concerning this topic on TED.com that I would like you to watch; JD Schramm, “Break the Silence of Suicide Attempt Survivors;” and, Kevin Briggs, “The Bridge Between Suicide & Life.” You can watch both videos on our  Media page.  When I wrote this daily, I truly felt led by the Spirit to write about this topic. At the time, I did not know that every 30 seconds in the world, someone attempts suicide. So, if this person is you or someone you know, please, please, please, talk to someone—friend, family, clergy, or anyone you believe you can trust for help.  Scream…”I need HELP!”  And, if they still somehow cannot understand that you are truly spiraling downward, please call a taxi, walk into the emergency room of a major hospital and personally tell a nurse or physician the truth about how you feel.  Check yourself in for the night; they will take care of you until you are ready to leave.  You really have no idea how many people truly care about you, and how much they can help you. Know that you are stronger than depression or suicide! -YOU can get better!  

Be aware, medication is not for everyone. Although I am not a physician; I believe some medications make those that are depressed worse than they were before they began taking them.  So, be wary.  Talk to someone!  Speak up!  Share how you are feeling with someone!  You are not alone! God truly does love YOU! And, He meant for YOU to LIVE!   
-L.C.

*In the U.S. call the: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or click the link below. 
This is a free, 24-hour hotline service available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you prefer to be online, or if you are Outside the U.S., talk with someone directly on their website. Just click this link: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org   

*Also, if you need to learn how to help someone that you believe may be in distress, check out the website for more info: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org ​
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  "...Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.”     Ezekiel 36:25-26
 

Upon our baptism as adults, after we have been baptized of the Holy Spirit, we are cleansed of all filthiness and idolatry in our lives.  It means that we have received a fresh start to our lives and no stronghold will imprison us again.  It means we have received power from without to eliminate anything God does not want within.  That was the good news! 

The issue is, we must now make a conscious effort to call on the Holy Spirit to continuously aid us in resisting the temptations which can haunt our memories.  We must call on the Spirit to guide us in overcoming and resisting the memories and weaknesses of the past.  The more we do this, the more we learn to resist past temptations.  The more we practice, like everything else, the better we become at it.  It may also mean that we will have to change those people around us who are still caught in the ravages of the things we left behind.  Because, either they will continuously remind us of our past, or they will attempt to pull us back into the same pathology we elected to leave behind when we decided to follow Jesus Christ.  Furthermore, keep in mind, those who attempt to pull us back into the things we left behind are not bad.  Many times they just do not believe that we have changed, and/or they simply fall into the old adage of, “misery loves company.”  Either way, it becomes a level of power and control on your life that most people will not relinquish easily. 

Also keep in mind, many times you will not be able to have both; the thing you left behind, and the new thing God is enacting in you.  We can relate it to an attempt at keeping both eyes focused on two cars going in opposite directions.  Although easily achievable for most birds, it is an impossible feat for humans; we must make a choice to only follow one car. 

It will not matter who or what it is you leave behind when you decide to follow God; God is “no respecter of persons, powers, or principalities.”  If it is someone who truly loves you, he/she will understand your need to transition your life in the direction God commands.  If they do not understand, they will not be able to help you in the process anyway, so let them go.  Eventually, when you have gone through God’s transition period, and you are strong enough to resist the temptations of the past, God may use you to lead others lost in the ravages of your former pathology back to Him.  

God expects us to call on the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in righteousness and truth.  Jesus knew and understood how difficult it was going to be for us to remain on course after our baptism, so He gave us help.  He is our Comforter; the One who aids us in overcoming temptation or any other battles we may face.  Remember to ask for guidance and the strength to overcome; because, no matter how terrible things are, or how horrible you may be feeling, The Comforter will come to you when you call on Him.  L.

Study Reference: Ezekiel 36:25-26, John 16:4-16 
From: "Accepting Power!"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: squarespace

   "…That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”      1 Corinthians 2:5


Have you ever been in a rush to get somewhere and someone unknown and/or in distress said, “Excuse me?”  interrupting your schedule?  Do you brush the person off?   Or, do you stop for a moment to see if you can be of assistance?  What about interruptions caused by family members, or those you love?  Can you look pass your own needs to see that they may be in distress or in need?  With all the media, mobile devices, and unscheduled events purposely trying to distract you from your life’s purpose, how you deal with the interruption says a lot about you and how you will react to life’s interruptions. 

God has many different ways of getting our attention; sometimes it’s a whisper, and sometimes it’s a bomb.  Either way, it causes us to pause, rethink, and re-purpose our lives. The whisper may come in the form of a nudge to get something done primarily for someone else. It pulls on your heartstrings, and although it is out of character, you just know it is the right thing to do. The bombs are a little different. —They are usually highly personal. They propel your level of thinking or behaving a quantum leap forward; but, in a completely different direction —with no turning back! 

God does not really allow you to turn backwards. Similar to Lot’s wife and the children of Israel in their  mountainous experience, you either go forward or you stagnate, feeling sorry for yourself while reliving the heydays of smooth roads and sunny skies. Or, you forge ahead towards the new path set before you.  Sometimes, you will know it is in the will of God for you to take the mountainous road ahead.  —And, sometimes, you will simply have to travel by faith, understanding that, “this too shall pass.”

Faith is always tested.  At times, it may come in the form of an interruption; when it does, the lesson is never in the interruption. The lesson will always be in how you react to the interruption.  L.

Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 2:5-9
Excerpt from:"Interruptions."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wallpaperup

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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