"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

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD; and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the LORD upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and His seed is blessed.”
Psalm 37:23-26


The media tells us that we are in a recession, a continuous downward spiral depleting all of our financial resources. Nevertheless, included in this book on the first and last day of the year, is the blessing found in Deuteronomy 28:1-13. It was listed to remind every reader of God's blessings and promise to those who keep His statues and walk in His righteousness. I printed it out for my personal circle of friends and asked them to place it where they could see it on a daily basis; you should do the same. It will be a reminder when everything around you is spiraling downward to keep your eyes on the Master and not a downward economy.

As in all times, some will prosper and some will not. Remember, the Bible says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet, I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.” L.

Study Reference: Psalm 37:23-26, Deuteronomy 28:1-13
From: "Becoming Recession Proof." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by My name; for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”      Isaiah 43:6-7


In today’s culture, everything is changeable; even human beings can surgically morph into someone else with the artistry of a plastic surgeon’s scalpel. Let’s be real. We castigated Michael Jackson for altering his distinctly African features into something even more unique; however, if we had Michael Jackson’s wealth we would eagerly change the things we find reprehensible about our own unique features. 

... Wouldn't it be great if we accepted each other’s unique beauty, acknowledging it as a gift from God? Take a look at the animals, we marvel at their unique features and regard their differences within their given species as a gift of rare beauty. We are no different, except we have the knowledge to imperfect God’s perfection in humanity with our ingratitude and ignorance.

Whoever you are, today take the time to look in a mirror and acknowledge that you are uniquely beautiful! You were not created to look like everyone else! The Bible says God knew you before you were formed, and took the time to number every hair on your head. Believe in your uniqueness, and that there is someone just for you who will love you exactly the way you were originally created by God. L.

Study Reference: Matthew 10:30-31, Isaiah 43:6-7 
Excerpt from: " Loving Yourself As Is." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

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​“… But let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation.” James 5:12


In today's society we tend to be so flippant about keeping our word. We make promises we know we cannot keep, not realizing it is an injunction against our very integrity. 

Our grandparents used to say, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!" In many instances it was said with a smile; yet, it was a statement placing the person on notice that, the original prank, scheme, or lie would not work a second time in capturing their prey.

Understand that every time we dismiss the words we have given to someone, our integrity is damaged; and, every time our integrity is damaged, our very character takes a fall. Did you know that this concept is a biblical principle? Take a look for yourself in Matthew 5:37 and review the text above found in James 5:12 “… but let your yes be yes; and your no, no...”   Trust me, I understand. There is a lot of grey area between yes and no; and, it is really hard to relinquish all that wiggle room in case we change our minds on a particular issue.  However, this is exactly the point. It is having an opinion, making a decision, and sticking to it; or, changing your position based on new information coming to light.  In any event, you would simply state your new decision, position, or not. 

Taking an oath would be unnecessary because our words would be like gold; it would be our bond. Practice saying what you mean, and mean what you say. Respect the value of your own voice, and keep your word. Whether it is to a friend, colleague, adult, or child, if you say it, you should mean it!  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 5:37, James 5:12 
From:"The Integrity Quotient." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Yasu & Junko

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD.”   Psalm 27:13-14


I really love to fly; I love airplanes, the airport, and the concept of flying.  However, one day after an extremely exhausting experience at the airport, I decided that no matter what happens, I will never "fight" for a seat if the flight is overbooked, even in an emergency.  I figured if I am supposed to be on that flight, then it is for me; if not, then it is not for me.

Then one day, as I patiently waited on a very long line at the airport to board a flight from California to New York, I overheard the flight attendant announce to her associate that, "We've come to the last seat!"  -Since I was next in line, I was undisturbed.  As I was called by the attendant, out of nowhere, a woman jumps in front of me insisting that she was really next in line and that the seat should be hers; of course, it was a total fabrication. It was apparent that wherever she was, she had also overheard the flight attendant’s comment.  Just as the New York in me was about to rear its ugly head, I remembered my promise.  I let her go on and on about how the seat was supposed to be hers. Then I looked at the woman and the flight attendant and gently said, "Be my guest;" and, returned to my former place in line.  As I waited to be served I wondered why the flight attendant seemed a little stunned. 

When I returned to the counter, she said to me smiling, “In all my years doing this job, I have never seen anyone do that! —Well,... we do have one more seat! -And, because you were so gracious to offer YOUR seat, I would like to upgrade you to First-Class!"  -Now, I was stunned!  It was the very first time I flew First-Class.

I compare this story to waiting on the Lord. It may appear that everyone is jumping in front of you, pushing by, getting further faster, ahead in everything —love, finances, —life.  But, do not pay them any attention, be patient; if not, you just might give away YOUR  First-Class seat to someone else.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 27:11-14
From:  "A First-Class Seat."   In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

​“Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up; he, fighting daily oppresses me.  Mine enemies would daily swallow me up, for they are many that fight against me, O Thou Most High.  Although I am afraid, I will trust Thee.  In God will I praise His Word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”   Psalm 56:1-4  

 
There are times when we feel so under sieged by life, we can feel as if we have nowhere to go, and no one to speak to. It can feel as if there are powers working against us everywhere. The oppression leads to depression, loneliness, and despair.  It becomes hard to reach out to others because trust, on so many levels, becomes questionable.  What can we do? 

Before the Israelites crowned David as a king, God anointed him as a warrior; a warrior who singlehandedly killed hundreds. Yet, he was the one who, while under siege by his enemies, wrote the words found in today’s verse. So, even if you are an anointed warrior, there are times when you will get tired of fighting,–exhausted of living a life under oppression. Understandably, living a life of war, unrest, and chaos, eventually has to get tiring. We were originally meant to live in the midst of God’s original peace, with our minds at rest, basking in the beauty and glory of God’s Love. Unlike David, we may not live within the ravages of war, continuously fighting enemies on every front. Yet, many of us live lives oppressed by daily war and unrest right in the midst of our own households, jobs, and relationships. We are exhausted from ongoing bouts of mental anguish, and pounced on by unending battles that steal our peace and wear us down.   

There are some people who like to fight. In many instances fighting with others distract us from delving deeper into ourselves to find the core root of an issue. It becomes easier to blame others for the oppression and depression that lies somewhere inside ourselves. It allows our focus to shift from the person in the mirror to someone in the flesh. Yet, this is not the path to peace. When we find ourselves fighting with everyone in our midst, about everything in our lives, it is time to start looking within; this is the only place to find the root of spiritual chaos.  

When you find yourself in the midst of spiritual chaos, it is time to renew your focus, get on your knees, and speak openly to the One who will guide you through the unfamiliar territory that is a depth of peace.  In today’s verse, David asks God to be merciful to him. He recognizes his own shortcomings and pleads with God for mercy. He places his fears before God with the understanding that, God will accept his fears and replace it with peace. Once you have given your fears to God, He squelches your spiritual chaos. Your inner peace becomes so powerful, you will fear no man, power, or principality. Once you emerge from bent knees in supplication to God, you will deeply understand your connection to Him through Jesus Christ, gaining the balm of a peaceful spirit.  Then, like David, you will be able to say with conviction, the words found at the end of Psalm 56:11-13: 

“In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.  Thy vows are upon me, O God. I will render praises unto Thee. For Thou has  delivered my soul from death; will not Thou deliver my feet from falling that I may walk before God in the Light of the living?”   L. 

Study Reference: Psalm 56
From: "Oppressed?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

​"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.”      Proverbs 3:5-6


Although the Bible tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, it is not easy for us to forego our own intellect to fully trust in God.  After all, it was God who gave us the highest intellect of any life-form known on earth.  So, it is easy for us to use our intellect to mastermind solutions to our problems without reference, reverence, or submission to God.  It is only after we have exhausted every potential solution to our problems that we vaguely even consider God, instead of referring to Him first. 

The thing to remember is, in going to God first we gain the best solution to propel our lives a quantum leap forward, bypassing all those weary obstacles that stand against us daily. –So next time, instead of waiting until all else fails, why not start with Him first? 

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

Study Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6
From: "Your Thoughts: First Thing First!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: L.A.C.

“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, 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.
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—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 De Caires Taylor ​

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

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

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"Then spoke Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and He said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.”   Joshua 10:12-14
 
The book of Joshua can be viewed as a modern-day metaphor for the types of trials we encounter where Christians need to prepare for personal battles. This is primarily true because, many of its stories and battles take place in the desert.  Within its pages, readers are taught how to fight in a desert experience while maintaining deep faith.  The thing is, a desert experience takes more than preparation, and it takes more than bodily strength; it is the type of experience that requires total dependence on God. Why?  Because, in the desert, we can never predict or prepare enough water (faith), to quench the deep thirst (spiritual dependence), caused by the burning sun (conflict); we simply just never know how hot it is going to be or how our body will react to the pelting heat of the sun. 

The three verses found above are the fulfillment of a promise God made to Joshua, while in the midst of fighting, yet another desert battle. In this passage, Joshua asks God to hold back the sun from going down and the moon from rising, so his army could annihilate Gibeon’s enemies without violating the Sabbath. 

While I read the surrounding paragraphs, all I could think about was this. If God could hold back the sun and the moon from a full orbit for one whole day, what problem could I possibly have that He cannot solve?  When we look more closely, we have to believe, it is our lack of faith that inhibits the release of His solutions to our problems.  Weare the ones who inhibit God's solutions!  If we exhibit extraordinary faith—faith beyond that which we normally consider natural; then, metaphorically speaking, the sun and the moon can be held back from their orbit. 

Like all tribulations in our lives, our Faith will be tested to the extreme; since, it is only in the extreme tests that we are able to exhibit the kind of extraordinary Faith, which enables God to literally stop the sun and the moon from moving.   L.  

Study Reference: Joshua 10:6-14  
From: "The Day The Sun Stood Still." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: unknown

​"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou know not.”    Jeremiah 33:3

 
The story of King Saul is such a terrific saga; it shows how he began his career as king of Israel, his faith, —or lack thereof, and how his reign ended. (1 Samuel 10:22-24, 31:1-6)  Although he really did not believe he was supposed to be the first king of Israel, once he actually became king, his arrogance would lead him to believe in his own strength. He was no different than the rest of us; he needed a paradigm shift to understand the leap of faith God desired for his life.

A paradigm shift is anything that allows you to move from one level of thinking to another. For some, it is the transition from college student to professional. For others, it will mean the transition from single-and-free to mated-with-children. However, most of us will experience a paradigm shift upon the passing of one or both of our parents when we finally understand the meaning of the circle-of-life. In that time and on that day, we truly become adults with an understanding that previously, we were the next generation to fulfill the gap, and now we are the generation in the gap.

Paradigm shifts are interesting events; they enable us to be in a particular circumstance while preparing ourselves to fulfill yet another role. In some cases, it becomes a type of projection into the future. In many instances becoming a Christian is akin to having a paradigm shift—your reality changes. 

If you grew up in a Christian household, the shift is actually quite different than if you found God on your own.  (Don’t bother to write, I am a fourth generation Christian)  I say the paradigm shift is different because, “In-born”Christians can be a little arrogant in their belief; like Pharisees, sticklers for the law, believing that God only works for us based on the things we do. “New-born” Christians can see God more liberally than “In-born” Christians, because they can easily recall the depths from which God has saved them. They will be the ones who continuously remind us of the gamut of God’s Grace and Love in the lives of humanity. 

It was the same when Jesus walked with the people; He caused a true paradigm shift among both the people and the Pharisees.  Each group had to change the way they looked at the extent of God’s Love.  For the Pharisees it was a new understanding that God loved people more than “The Law.”  For the people, it was in understanding that God loved them enough to forgive them for the sins they enacted against Him. So, whether you are an Inborn Christian or New-born Christian, you should rejoice in understanding that God will do all He can to keep you, constantly shifting His paradigm to keep you in Grace!  L.  

Study Reference: Jeremiah 33:3   
From: "A Paradigm Shift." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty/ Handluggageonly

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"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”  
John 15:7
 


​By nature I am an optimist; I really believe just about anything is possible!
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God has brought me through too many things for me to believe anything else. I am fascinated every time I board an airplane, recalling the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, the two brothers who, through their bicycle engineering skills, developed the first airplane to actually take flight in the United States. Because of their quest, millions fly daily in planes weighing more than 100 tons. If you ever stop and really think about the concept of one hundred tons easily and swiftly zipping through the air, it becomes increasingly simple to dismiss the notion of an "impossible task."  There's more. 

What about your cell phone, Internet, flat screen television, and all those wireless devices, quietly emitting signals, so communication can be instantaneous; it was not that long ago that these things did not exist.  In medicine, we can look at the breakthroughs in laser eye surgery, where almost instantaneously, the eye heals itself, allowing the patient to miraculously see without glasses. Not to mention, the human body itself; a vessel God designed so exquisitely that even large quantities of poisons have to work really hard just to kill us. The Bible has already told us, there are no impossible tasks.  All things are possible through God. (Matthew 19:26)

All things are possible through God, was the thought I had after reading Mark 6:37.  It is where the disciples come to Jesus, asking Him to send the five-thousand people, who had been rapt by His teachings all day, into the villages to buy something to eat.  Jesus responds by telling His disciples, “Give ye them to eat.”  
It is possible that the disciples, even after being with Jesus for some time, didn't really understand that He wanted them to believe in the power of God as He did. You can’t really blame them for not understanding that they, through their belief in God, could feed the 5000 people who had followed them and stayed to hear the teachings of Jesus. 

If it were to happen today, even the most die-hard Christian optimist would still send the multitudes into town to feed themselves.  Why would we really believe we have the power to transform the lives of 5000 people? -To actually feed them?   I believe the notion of “feeding” is key. When Jesus was admonishing Peter, He asked, “Lovest thou Me?”   When Peter replied, Jesus charged him by saying “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:15-17)   In our prayers we say, “Our Father which art in heaven ...give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:9-11)

To feed someone is a metaphor for teaching, training, and/ or mentoring, so they can be nourished, full and satisfied.  Whether you are getting your Daily Bread through a Bible study class, church sermons, or, reading the Bible on your own under the guidance of the Holy Spirit; as a Christian, Jesus expects for you to be fed and to feed others.  He expects for you to know that no task is impossible if you believe in Him.  
Impossibility is not a word for God; it should not be a word for you!   L. 

Study Reference: John 15:5-7
From: "Believing In The Impossible." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

​"And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethpage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent forth two of His Disciples, and saith unto them, “Go your way into the village over against you; and, as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never a man sat; loose him, and bring him.  And if any man says unto you, ‘Why do ye this?’ Say ye that ‘The Lord hath need of him;’ and straightway he will send him hither.”  And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without, in a place where two ways met; and they loosed him.  And certain of them that stood there said unto them, “What do ye, loosing the colt?” And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded; and they let them go.  And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him.  And many spread their garments in the way; and others cut down branches off the trees, and strewed them in the way.  And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”        Mark 11: 1-9
 
 
Today’s verse marks the beginning of the end of Jesus’ time in physical form on earth; and yet, over the years this passage has always held some degree of fascination for Believers.  In this passage, Jesus has just reached Bethpage & Bethsaida, but before He enters the city gates, He instructs two of His disciples to retrieve a specific colt, having specific characteristics, in a specific location.  Jesus tells them that the colt is tied to a tree, in an adjacent village, at a fork in the road.  He further instructs His disciples by telling them “If any man,” presumably referring to the owner, tries to stop them from taking the colt, “Tell him that the Master has need of it.”
 
Of course, when the disciples get to the location, they find the colt in the exact condition, and in the precise location, Jesus said it would be in.  When the disciples are approached by the owner of the colt, they reiterate Jesus’ Words to the owner, “The Master has need of it.”   And amazingly, the owner steps out of the way, and off they go with his colt.
The reason why this story is so amazing, are the details. –The precision in which Jesus outlined every little detail concerning the colt, including its past.
 
Ordinarily, we say that “the devil is in the details.” However, for Believers, the Lord is in the details. He sees all the minute details of our life. When you acknowledge God’s Power as the Ultimate Source in your life, every tiny insignificant detail that makes up who you are, is already known and will be considered for your future task. Nothing that you have done, is doing, or will do, will astonish God.  Like the colt in today’s verse, even if you feel tied up by life while standing at a crossroad, trust that God's Love will release you, redirecting your path so that your life aligns perfectly with His purpose.  
 
Study Reference: Mark 11:1-10
From: “Released! -The Colt.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Favim

“Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.”    Matthew 5:8


We often speak about King David when we speak about a turmoil of faith; however, we really do not need to go as far back as King David to understand the turmoil of faith; we can simply look within our own hearts. Our acts of faith deeply test every preconceived notion of what or who we believe God is. If you believe God is merciful, you will test and confirm His mercy. If you believe He is benevolent, you will test and confirm His benevolence. If you believe He is... you will test and confirm. 

A few days before Christmas I, along with an entire subway car full of riders, became the captive audience of a "fire and brimstone, death and destruction” Christian, who felt inclined to speak about the end of the world. Many of the things he said were true as found in the book of Revelation. However, it was two days before Christmas. Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to speak about the Love of God, at a time when a significant amount of people in the world planned to celebrate the Love and birth of Jesus Christ? —A time when he could possibly reach out to those who did not know Christ?  —Or, where he could speak to those who may not have had their families and who were alone for the holidays? 

Yes, fire and brimstone have their significance, and there is a good possibility that he was sent like Jonah to warn the populace. However, more riders would have been inclined to accept his literature had he prompted their soul's quest for the Love of God, as opposed to their common fear of death and destruction. Yet, I have to believe the wrath of fire and brimstone is how our captor saw God. 

Your depth of faith has a direct correlation to how you view God. Ask yourself this, do you really believe your prayers will be answered? Is He truly Omnipotent? Are there limitations to His power?  —​Does God really Love You?
How you see God is a direct reflection of your life's paradigm of who God is.  King David saw God as merciful. —​How do YOU see God?   L.

Study Reference: Matthew 5:1-12 
From: "The Turmoil of Faith." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

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​"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil?  Shall I give my first-born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  He hath shown thee O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”      Micah 6:6-8
 

Why do you believe in God?  What prompts you to offer yourself to an omnipotent entity who is morally beyond your thinking and seeing? 

Years ago, a friend of my mother, a newly baptized Christian, was subjected to the atheistic ranting of her young teenage daughter.  The mother, emotionally committed to Christianity, was unable to respond to her daughter’s ranting satisfactorily. Stressed from her daughter’s questions, she called my Mother to get some much needed ammunition. Lightly minding my own business, I overheard the topic of their conversation, and was intrigued by the verbal tennis match going back and forth between my Mother, her friend, and the daughter. Between both women, they tried to coax the teenager into submission, using the Bible as a reference.  However, the young girl, a typical teenager, was quite stubborn, and savvy enough to offer a few convincing retorts of her own. 

“Explain to her the story of Creation.” I heard my Mother say. “Tell her to read the Book of John in the New Testament, she will understand once she has finished.”  Then she said finally, “-She just has to believe.” 

The problem with using the Bible as a reference is, if the person has already decided not to believe, what they read will be irrelevant.  As Christians, we believe that the Holy Spirit guides and convicts us to a depth of understanding that far surpasses our intellectual understanding.  So, if their conviction is already squarely positioned on the side of unbelief, many times reading the Bible will not convince them. Reading is for those of us who have already chosen to believe in the power of God.

By the time my Mother hung up the telephone, she was exasperated. “That was interesting.” I said; a little curious about the final outcome. “How did it end?”  I asked. “Did she get it, or not?”  “--No,” My Mother said, “She told her mother that she will not believe in something she cannot see; it doesn’t matter what she reads.”

My Mother seemed a little annoyed, feeling as if she had let her friend down by not being able to reach her daughter.  I thought about the last statement the teenager said to her mother, “I will not believe in something I cannot see.”  And considered the many times I have heard other people say the same thing.  I said to my Mother, “Call her mother back, and tell her to ask her daughter if she can see air?  Assuming she believes that air exists. Can she see air?  But, more importantly, tell her daughter, even though she cannot see air, she will instinctively know when air is present in a room, and she certainly will know when it is not.”  Her mother told her what I said, and I never heard that discussion again.  

Intellectually, as humans, we are the smartest we have ever been in the history of the world.  We can control sunlight to our advantage using solar energy.  We have created technology far beyond our wildest collective imagination; and, we now understand that our solar system consists of a universe far beyond anything that we ever imagined.  Yet, we are still having the same old debate about the existence of God.  It is true; human beings have done many wicked things to other human beings in the name of God. But even more wicked things have been done to others under the guise of no belief in God. 

The idea of an omnipotent God allows us to challenge ourselves to achieve a higher ideal.  It forces us to examine our lives based on a standard far beyond our basic level of intellect and selfishness.  As sincere Christians, we will ultimately delve into a deeper level of consciousness, propelling us into utilizing God’s ideal of what we should be; and, praise God, not what we are.  L.

Study Reference: Micah 6:6-8, John 1:1-5, 3:16
From: "The Highest Ideal."   In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wallpapermania
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​“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 up-coming 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 accustom 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 And My House."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Family, istock