In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
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Your Thoughts: Guiding Others

7/31/2019

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​“I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.”
John 4:38

 

Ordinarily, when most Christians read today’s verse, we consider it the manifestation of a blessing where we have reaped a harvest from a seed sown by someone else.  In other words, “One man sows, another one reaps.”   However, if we reconsider this verse, it is even more profound.  It can also refer to someone whom you have been guiding, studying with, or simply speaking to about God who is considering the idea of becoming a Christian; yet somehow, is finding difficulty in making a full commitment.
 
Often, it may appear that you have failed miserably in your attempt to be a witness for the Love of God; so, you decide to dismiss them, hoping that you can redeem the time by moving on to someone else. However, more often than not, we are simply the sower. —The first person to begin the process of awakening the small seed within them, into what will eventually become a deep desire to personally know more about God.
 
There are times when those we speak to about Jesus are stubborn; so, it will take them longer to understand and acknowledge the manifestation of God in their lives.  For now, another man or woman will reap that soul for the Kingdom of God.  In the meantime, don’t get discouraged; simply stop for a moment to remember how stubborn you were, and how long it took YOU to finally believe.  L.
 
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.


Study Reference: John 4:38 Proverbs
From: “Your Thoughts: Guiding Others -Reaping.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock
 

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A Gift To Yourself

7/30/2019

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


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

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

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

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

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

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Becoming More Like Jesus

7/29/2019

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“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power …”      
​Ephesians 1:18-19



I listened as a group of young Christians discussed the first time they really began to understand God’s presence in their lives. Each spoke about their respective “Ah-ah” moment; some, more profound than others. One girl, a fresh-faced young woman, dressed simply in a pink sweater, t-shirt, and jeans, spoke the most candidly about her revelation. 

“My moment is not as profound as some of the others.”  She said earnestly, “It goes back to when I was a little younger.  I’m the eldest of six children, and my parents always dragged all of us to church. -With six children, you can imagine how much chaos it was just getting everyone in the car. One day after communion, as we all piled into the car; there was more chaos than usual. All the kids were yelling, arguing, and just driving my Mom crazy. She finally turned around and yelled, “For crying out loud, didn't you just receive Jesus!”  It really made me think; and it led me to understand that we work every day to be more like Jesus. That was my, Ah-ah moment!” She continued by saying, “I realized then that living in Christ is a constant journey. You literally try more and more each day to be like Jesus. It doesn't happen overnight.”

That young woman discovered something that most Christian adults have difficulty understanding. As Christians, the character of Jesus is our life’s goal; we work on it continuously—day by day; for some of us, minute by minute. It is not simply attending church services, and taking communion. It is a level of thinking, believing, and an evolutionary building of our moral resolve. It is a standard of living with the understanding that we are tested daily in our interactions with others, and in the way we live in this world. Not because we are judged by our works; but, because we consider ourselves children of God and have discovered that living in keen awareness of God’s desire for our lives, is much more advantageous to us than not. 

We strive daily to be more like Jesus in all we do, because simply put, we believe we are sons and daughters of the Most High God. L.

Study Reference: Ephesians 1:18-20 
From: "Becoming More Like Jesus." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: Tungnam HK

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Starting With Us

7/28/2019

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

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

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

In a more modern version it would say, “Lord, suppose there were only fifty righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah, would You destroy the righteous with the wicked?"  And of course, God responds,

“If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”

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

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

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

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

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Different Deal, Same Pay

7/27/2019

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"…For the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. ...So when evening was come, the Lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.”      Matthew 20:1, 8-10 
 

Matthew 20:1-16, is a parable given by Jesus to His disciples when a very wealthy man walks away sorrowful, after he learns he must forsake his wealth to follow Jesus in order to inherit eternal life. The parable follows one of the most famous lines in the Bible, “…Verily I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24)   

It is a perplexing parable like all the other parables Jesus taught His disciples while He walked among them.  However, this one has even greater implications for modern Christians.  Consider this; the parable speaks to those who accepted Jesus early in their lives, living the principles of Christianity, versus those who gained the wisdom of accepting the Gospel towards the end of their lives. 

Those who accepted the Gospel at the beginning of their lives accepted it for very little, maybe this person is you; you were young, heard the Word, and simply believed.  You did not need to witness the miracles of Jesus in your life, you simply believed and adhered to a straight and narrow path. It was all you asked, and for your belief and faith, payment will be the inheritance of eternal life.  Those who came to God closer to the end of their lives, possibly someone you believe has lived an unrighteous life for instance, asked for more; more love, more miracles, more faith, and more time, as shown by the ragged, frayed edges of their life. God agreed; and their payment will be the same inheritance, eternal life. Yet, we have the same old debate, "Does the thief on the cross inherit eternal life equally as the man who repented or followed Christ early in his life?"  Does God honor your lifelong repentance the same as the person who repented on his deathbed? 

As Christians, we would like to believe God honors all repentances the same, no one is greater than another, no sin is lesser or greater than the other. In James 2:10 the Bible says, if you commit one sin you are guilty of all. Yet, in our scant human understanding, we place our own sins in some type of hierarchy, as if we believe God says, “Hmmm… his sin wasn't as bad as the murder in the first degree committed by…”  And so, we live our lives trying to make up for the sins we committed throughout our lives as if we have to, forgetting that we are all saved by Grace.  Upon our baptism we are dead to sin; Jesus stands in our stead with God.  Does this mean we can continuously dishonor God by repeating and repenting as we go? Well,... yes; at our very lowest we can, but it is a ridiculously hard way to live. Living on the straight and narrow path is hard enough. 

Ideally, we live to maintain a higher standard for our lives, because as Christians it shows our love, reverence, and respect for Jesus’ sacrifice of His life for ours.  Why would anyone wait until the end of their life, or possibly their very last breath to make a commitment to God?  What are the chances that you will make your commitment in time to repent for a lifetime spent away from God?  L.   

Study Reference: Matthew 20:1-16
From: “Different Deal, Same Pay.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: fern/ istock

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The Heavens Declare God II

7/26/2019

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​“The Heavens declare the Glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where Their Voice is not heard.  Their Line is gone out through all the Earth, and Their Words to the end of the world. ...His going forth is from the end of the Heaven, and His circuit unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof."   Psalm 19:1-6

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It’s easy to believe that our problems are insurmountable.  Somehow, no matter how much we believe in God, we continuously believe that our problems, whatever they may be, are far too difficult for God to handle.  Of course they are not; however, in order to put all problematic issues in our lives in full perspective, let’s take a look at our Solar System.  But, before we do, think of the biggest, most difficult, completely overwhelming problem that exists in your life right now.  Is it a truly massive problem? –I mean really enormous?  

Then, say this out loud.    “Is there anything too hard for God?”  “-No!”


Pictured above, is a digital rendering of the planets in our solar system.  Today we know that there are thousands of galaxies, all with their own planetary formations within the universe. But for now, simply look at the picture.  Saturn is simple enough for you to find, it’s the ringed planet in the center; and, our Sun is the giant yellow orb in the background. However, can you locate Earth in the photo?  – If so, decide which one it is now.

We know that science and technology proves God every day.  So, just imagine for one moment how small and insignificant we feel in reference to the size of our earth; now, imagine how small these planets are in reference to the Sun.  And, because of the Hubble telescope, we now know that there are energy masses within the universe that are 10 times larger than our sun. –Ten times!

Yet, just so you keep your problem in perspective, take a look at the photo again.  Earth is the third planet from the left with the tiny little orb next to it. The Heavens truly do declare the Glory of the Lord!   God keeps everything in perfect order!  –Nothing is out of alignment.  So, keep your massive problem in perspective in relation to God. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.”   
So remember, there is nothing  too hard for God!  If He can handle the intricate rotation of the planets; and, maintain the delicate balance of the universe, is there really anything plaguing your life that He cannot handle?  L.

**Here’s the order from left to right: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune;
​plus dwarf planets: Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris. 
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Study Reference: Psalm 19:1-6, Proverbs 3;5-6
From: “The Heavens Declare God ll.” In The Master's Hands II: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo / illustration: Robert Ziche

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The Light Within

7/25/2019

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​“In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.  In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended It not.”  
John 1:1-5

 
 
There’s an old adage reiterated by Franciscan monks that says, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness!”  

Like the passing of the legendary Olympic torch from one person to another, God’s eternal Flame must ignite the hearts of man, going from one person to another, until His Flame, burning brightly, has gone throughout the world.

The original ignition of the Flame began with ONE. Then, that ONE ignited the hearts of 12 others who sent it burning throughout the ages until it reached —YOU.  Now, every person that you speak to has an opportunity to carry that Flame forward, through time, or not.  

You cannot fear how the Flame is received. For some, the Flame will be a roaring fire, igniting them to action. While for others, it will be a dimly lit spark, barely noticeable by anyone.  Your job is to simply make the delivery, remembering that, the igniting of this Flame is passed on to others through you, your words, and your actions.  Its ignition is in your daily decision to share your compassion, kindness, love, honor, respect, and forgiveness; so that others may see The Word of God alive in you.   You make this decision every second, of every minute, of every day, in every interaction, and every conversation. This Flame has no language barrier, no cultural differences, no international borders or racial divides.  And yet, amazingly, God placed the power to light this Flame in YOU.  
But first, you must Light one candle, —​YOURS.  L.
 
Study Reference: John 1:1-5
From: “The Light Within.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Odorunara

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The Presence of Peace

7/24/2019

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“… Jesus said unto them, a Prophet is not without honor, but in His own country, and among His own kin, and in His own house.”  
Mark 6:4
 

In October 2009, U. S. President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; a prize more closely associated in the U.S. with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his efforts in utilizing non-violence as a standard in public disobedient protests. There was so much hoopla in American politics concerning the award, yet surprisingly, not in the rest of the world.  The international community saw it as a commendation for his genuine congeniality and peaceful stanch in reaching out to the rest of the world. The interesting thing about the Nobel Peace Prize is that, it is a commemorative prize named for its benefactor Alfred Nobel, a man who created a product primarily used in wars. 

Alfred Nobel was a prolific inventor and businessman; he loved literature, chemistry, and physics. Truly multilingual, he was fluent in German, English, Swedish, Russian, and French.  His relentless experiments to increase the marketability of nitroglycerin, would eventually lead him to the invention of dynamite, ultimately launching him into immense wealth. 

Towards the end of his life, he would leave the majority of his enormous fortune ($40 million in 1896) to benefit the Nobel Prize.  The prize offers international recognition and a substantial monetary grant to its recipients.  It is given to those who perform in excellence; aiding humanity in chemistry, literature, physiology, physics, medicine, and the promotion of peace, without regard to the nominee’s creed, race, gender, or nationality.  Many believe that the Nobel Peace Prize was an effort to atone for his invention of dynamite; an invention that killed thousands of people in his lifetime; and has continued to kill millions more since his death. 

It is true; the Nobel Prize has added international recognition to otherwise obscure individuals whom very few of us would know if it were not for the prize.  And, there is no doubt; Jesus would have been the ultimate honoree for his life’s work as a peacemaker.  –Or, maybe not.  After all, He was the one who actually made the comment found in  
Mark 6:4
, today's verse. 

We do not know if Alfred Nobel’s, Nobel Peace Prize, atoned for creating one of the most destructive devices used in accelerating the destruction of mankind; however, it leaves us with the example that wealth cannot buy atonement or salvation. There is only one who can offer atonement for sins committed against humanity, and that is Jesus Christ, the ultimate Peace Prize recipient.  Whether or not you agree with the politics of your nation, take the time to pray for your President, Prime Minister, King, Queen, or Despot; and, all the leaders within your midst.  Since, like King David in his decision to number the Israelites, one bad egotistical decision from them, can lead to the destruction of thousands, quite possibly millions. –Yes, today, pray for your leaders; pray for the presence of peace.  L.  

Study Reference: Mark 6:4, 2 Samuel 24:10-19   
From: "The Presence of Peace."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: youtube, i.ytimg

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What Would God Say?

7/23/2019

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"And the LORD said unto Satan, 'Whence comest thou?' Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, 'From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.'  And the LORD said unto Satan, 'Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil?' Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, 'Doth Job fear God for nought?'”    Job 1:7-9
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Suppose God was having a conversation about you, what would He say about your life today?  Would He be impressed or disappointed with what you have done with it so far?

The Bible says, Job was a perfect and upright man; a man who loved God and hated evil. Yet God, showing Job off, allowed all manner of devastating trials to be used by Satan to test Job’s heart, short of taking his life.  And, while the Bible speaks of David as a man after God's own heart, David also had a rough time!  David had to acknowledge his misconduct and suffer the consequences of his actions on more than one occasion.  And although, he personally killed hundreds of men, those men were killed under God's direct orders.  He paid a hefty consequence for the one life he was indirectly responsible for; the life of his friend Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. And, since David was a true warrior, a man who clearly understood how precious life was, almost all of God's sanctions against him would end with the death of people he deeply cared about.

It is a precious thing for us as Christians to be saved by Grace. It allows us the opportunity not to have to stand before God for every action that is the sum total of our life. It is because of our Savior Jesus Christ who covers our sins that most of us are not consumed.  I don’t know about you, but, quite frankly, if I were tested at a fraction of the level of David or Job, I would certainly fail miserably.  Yet, we must still strive to live and maintain a righteous life; because, we love and stand on the side of God. It is the least we can do as a sign of respect and love for Jesus’ sacrifice.

In response to today’s question, the thought is, if God is having a conversation about YOU, pray that it is a really good one.  One that weighs heavily on the plus side rather than the minus side; because, as easily as you and I breathe, He can alter the direction of our lives with the ease of a whisper.  L.  

Study Reference: Job 1:1-12; 2 Samuel 11:1-17; 24:10-17
From: "What Would God Say?"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Joel Robison

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Your Thoughts: Before You Leap

7/22/2019

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

 

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

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

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

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The Friendship Connection

7/21/2019

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Your Thoughts: Set Apart (I)

7/20/2019

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“But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.”
Psalm 4:3



Most people believe that they “find” God on their own, not realizing that God has always been there patiently waiting for them to seek Him. Yet, for most Believers, there will be times when God will prod you to speak to someone about Jesus in order to help them understand more about His Love.

Today’s verse reminds us that God sets apart those that are godly for Himself; but, quite often, He also sets apart those that are wallowing in the midst of sin; since, unlike us, He knows their heart and their future. 

Think about it. He set aside Zacchaeus, a hated and thieving tax collector who hid in a tree, hoping that he could look at God without being seen. He set aside each of His disciples, including Judas, while they were in the midst of doing their regular daily routine. He set aside Paul, stopping him cold; a man who, in his zeal to uphold the religious traditions of the past, was on his way to murder Christians.  —He even set aside you and me.  So remember, no one is lost until their very last breath; and even then, there's Grace.  Every single person can be touched by God, even while they are in the midst of doing something that you consider ungodly. 

It doesn’t matter if someone is hiding, working, or zealous about doing something insane, they can still be touched by the Spirit of God. —Just a little something for you to remember the next time you are making a decision on “who” you should speak to about the Love of God. L.

**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal. Don't forget to make it personal to you.​

Study Reference: Psalm 4:3
From: “Your Thoughts: Set Apart (I).”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Monique Forestier (climber),  photo: Red Bull

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Seeking

7/19/2019

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

 

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

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

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

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Visualizing Your Goal

7/18/2019

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     “Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him”     Psalm 2:12 b

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Most of us believe in goal-setting; which means, we determine our desired outcome, set the goal, determine the steps we need to take, and systematically begin the necessary process to achieve the goal. It appears simple enough on the surface, yet depending on the goal, there can be both predetermined and unforeseen obstacles in our way. Many of us simply work around the obstacles; and, we adjust our steps to remain focused, achieving the desired outcome. Yet, for some people, the obstacles become overwhelming. And, because they have been battered by the process so many times, they simply forego any goals out of fear of disappointment.  

When we were children, our determination to accomplish our goals, no matter how far-fetched they were, was clearly without fear.  Even if we feared some aspect of attempting the goal, all we needed was one person to believe it was possible for us to achieve it, and off we would go.  Think back to that time. What changed?  It should be easier now that we are adults, with the understanding that we serve a God whose greatest desire is our happiness. Our faith, prayers, and trust in God, coupled with action, will accomplish far more than our minds could ever conceive.   

We are privileged to live in a time where innovation is prevalent within our society.  It was not that long ago, that so many of the innovations we take for granted today, were not even imagined just twenty years ago. We now have flat-screen TVs, touch screens, ATMs, laser eye surgery, 3-D printing, cell-phones, mp3 players, robots, and tablets, etc. Yet, someone imagined a life with these conveniences, visualized their goal, stayed the course, and now many of these things are an integral part of our daily lives. 

What would make YOUR light shine more brightly? What would you like to do?  -Bring your invention to life? Create a product? -Go back to school? -Take a culinary class? -Take a much needed vacation? -Teach in a Third-World country? -Travel around the world for a year? -Learn a new language?
Why not take the time to give it some real thought, writing it down as part of your goals for this year. Chances are, your plans synergized with God’s Vision for your life, will allow you to do far more in this world than you ever believed possible.  Why not write it today? -Why not prove God in your life and set your faith in action?  L.   

Study Reference: Proverbs 29:18
From: "Visualizing Your Goal." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Corey Arnold

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Embracing The Process

7/17/2019

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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, 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

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The Power to Speak

7/16/2019

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“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
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Your Thoughts: Your Rear Guard!

7/15/2019

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​"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the Glory of the Lord shall be thy re-reward.”    Isaiah 58:8


To really understand today’s verse we must look at Isaiah 58:6-7, the two verses directly before verse 8.

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

In those two verses the Bible indicates that we should loose the chains of the oppressed, offering them freedom by teaching them about God. It infers that, when we make the decision to aid others in seeing the Glory of God, His Light will shine within us so brightly, others will “see” who He is through us.  And, more importantly, if somehow our health fails, we “shall recover speedily.”  God‘s Glory will be our “re-reward,” a term that literally means our rear guard.  So, what does this mean for you? 

Just imagine for a moment, like God’s unseen army surrounding the prophet Elijah, God will empower His heavenly army to be your rear guard —​literally covering your back when you make a point of telling others about Him. —Well, I don’t know about you, but that alone should make you want to run outside and tell your entire neighborhood about Jesus!  L.

**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal. Don't forget to make it personal to you.​

Study Reference: Isaiah 58:6-8
Excerpt from: "Your Thoughts: Your Rear Guard."  
In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Michael

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Loving Your Neighbors

7/14/2019

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"And he answering said, "Thou shalt Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and, thy neighbor as thyself."  And He said unto him, "Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live."  But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?’""   
​
Luke 10:27-29 
 
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Unlike the governing Jews in ancient Jerusalem, Samaritans were more secular Jews who intermarried within other groups, causing multiracial, multilingual, and multicultural traditions to be practiced and conveyed within their group. It was the belief of the governing Jews that Samaritans were inferior due to their “impure” bloodline and cross-cultural traditions. On both sides, those within each group considered avoidance to be the only discrete way of dealing with each other.  This makes the parable Jesus offered in Luke 10:25  to the lawyer who asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” so remarkable.  Lawyers, like Pharisees, were students of the law.  And, like the Pharisees, Scribes, Priests and Levites;  lawyers were considered part of elite society.  Their knowledge of both governing law and doctrinal law gave them the opportunity to commune with all members of the social elite; and similarly, a common person or peasant could not simply evoke an audience with any of them, much less a Samaritan.

Jesus responds by asking the lawyer, “What is written in the Law?  How have you interpreted it?”  The lawyer says to Him, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind; and, your neighbor as yourself.”   Jesus commends him by saying, “You have answered right, do this and you shall live.”   —But, like any good attorney, he has to ask God’s Holiest Witness to clarify His statement. —After all, we are talking about eternal life.  So, knowing that he does not interact with the “common folks” of society, the lawyer asks for specific clarification, asking, “--And, who is my neighbor?” 

So, just like the rest of us, he forgets that he cannot entrap God.  He forgot that questions posed to God, although entertained when asked, were created and already answered by our omnipotent, omniscient Creator.  Jesus entertains his question by offering The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-36), where a man, robbed, wounded, and left dying in the street is passed over by both a Priest, the pastor;  and, a Levite, the praise and worship leader. 

At first I wondered why Jesus chose a Priest and a Levite; but then, I realized that the man who lay wounded in the street was their social peer—himself a member of the social elite.  How do we know?  Well, the Bible says that the man’s clothing was stolen. Even by today’s standards, if you are the victim of a robbery, the crooks will take your money; however, if they take your clothing, it’s because you have something that they truly cannot afford.  The priest sees the man in the ditch and crosses the street.  The Levite comes over, looks into the face of the man, and then crosses the street!   A Samaritan sees the man, tends to his wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays the proprietor to take care of him, promising to pay for any further expenses the proprietor incurs, upon his return to the area. 

So, the question Jesus asks is, “Which one of the three do you think were the wounded man’s neighbor?”  We can imagine Jesus watching the lawyer as he arrives at God’s desired conclusion stating, “The one who showed compassion on him.”  Jesus, probably looking at the lawyer directly in the eyes, charges him by saying, “Go and do likewise.”  —Yet, this too is our charge! 
Interacting with others who are culturally and socially different can bring you social enlightenment and new friends, stretching your Love and compassion far beyond your own preconceived capabilities. —Not to mention, it just may be the very last component that actually moves you closer to God and gets you into heaven.  L.

​Study Reference: Luke 10:25-36   
Excerpt From:  "Loving Your Neighbors." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: marinka masseus


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Strength or  Weakness?

7/13/2019

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      " …Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power..."        Ephesians 6:10


Most people understand that fasting is a principle practiced by many religions, yet many of us do not understand the true spiritual aspect of a fast.  For the most part, we understand the denial effect it has on our mind; the cleansing effect it has on our body; and, some of the discipline it offers practitioners.  However, most people really do not understand how it trains them spiritually. 

One of the most poignant scenes outlined in our Bible is found in Matthew chapter 4, where Jesus, after fasting in the wilderness for forty days, is tempted by the devil.  It is interesting to note that, the devil chose to launch his attack when Jesus appeared to be at His weakest, physically, mentally, and spiritually. As Christians, we have to believe that Jesus knew his adversary was coming, just as He knew about all the other events that would unfold during His time in physical form. –So, why inflict a forty-day fast at this particular time?  –Why be physically weak when you know your adversary is planning to attack?  –Why choose to be separated from those who truly love you, when you seemingly need them the most? –Think about this for a moment.  

Jesus understood that fasting gives us spiritual strength and power over temptation.  It solidifies our spiritual power over our mind and body, allowing us to access strength supernaturally.  It trains the body and mind to understand that we are not under the control of our urges, whims, habits, or needs. It is acknowledgment that we are spiritual beings whose soul relies on God for replenishment, not our environment.  

I know what you are thinking. “I can’t go without eating for even one day; much less 40 days. I need food!” I truly understand; after three days, I too am looking for food in all the wrong places.  –But, try to understand this. It is not the food that you should be mindful of, it’s the discipline.  The discipline of fasting controls temptation.  It enables you, empowered with spiritual strength, the ability to withstand even the most basic need over temptation.  A need so powerful, it goes back to before your small body left the womb. A need so potent, when you were born, you cried for it non-stop, and didn't even know its name. –Food.

The power of fasting is to teach your body how to listen to you, and not the other way around.  When the body tells you that you are hungry, starving, and ready to pass out; you tell the body that it has enough plump to fast another day.  When the body tells you that you need a steak, burger, or meat by-product, if not you will die; you tell the body, one more steak, burger, or meat by-product, and you will die.  Your body’s primal need relinquishes its control to you, not the other way around.  It learns to accept denial, cleansing, and discipline from you in obedience. –And in return, you relinquish your body, mind, and spirit to God.  L.    

Study Reference: Ephesians 6:10, Matthew 4
From: "Strength or Weakness?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock /Alexandrum79

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Praying For Others

7/12/2019

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

1 Timothy 2:1, 2:8 


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

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

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

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

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    Welcome to the ITMH blog. Here you can interact with me each day regarding  the devotionals found in the book if you are not on Facebook.  Write something about yourself in relation to the daily. No need to be fancy, just be honest. I'll do the same.  It will be interesting to see how different people, with varying experiences react to the same daily. 

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