​“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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"…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

​“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. ​​

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

​“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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“… 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

"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

“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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"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

"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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