​“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”     Mark 16:15


Sometimes we need to take the time to truly understand what some refer to as a "religious spirit." For many, it refers to what can sometimes be the stodgy rules of modern religion extracted from our Puritan ancestors. A series of rules and regulations that inhibit a religious community from meeting the unsaved where they are: the dance halls, bars, gambling dens, streets, work, etc.

It's true, some of us cannot go back into some of those places because our own walk with God might be a little shaky; and, we just may find ourselves reverting to the old habits we left behind. So understandably, not everyone is an ideal fit for this type of ministry. However, we have to remember, Jesus shattered the imaginary wall between saints vs. sinners by purposely disobeying the rabbinical laws and traditions of His time.

So today, pray for the opportunity to speak to someone about Jesus; not as a preacher, but as a witness, not in piousness, but in love. Remember, your specific life experience and testimony may be exactly what someone needs to hear for them to walk away from the life they're in, to the eternal life they need. L.

Study Reference: Mark 16:15-16, 20
From: "A Religious Spirit." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo credit: Jungle Jew

“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

​
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.

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
 
**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. 

​








​"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

​










"And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. And he said
unto Him, if now I have found grace in Thy sight then show me a sign that Thou talkest with me.”    
Judges 6:16-17


We often plead with God to answer our prayers; however, sometimes we do not recognize or accept when God responds. Many times we reduce His response to good fortune, luck, or coincidence.  In discussing a difficult assignment we were working on, one of my colleagues shared a story concerning God’s response to his prayer request for a “sign” to assure him the job he was praying for would come through.   

“You are right;” He said, “It is a blessing.  I actually found out I got this job on my birthday. You know, it’s a funny thing. I was out of work for 15 months, the longest I have ever been out of work in my life, and I was very depressed. One evening, while visiting a friend of mine who lives upstate, I was sitting on the deck quietly praying, asking God for a job. I asked Him for a sign; something that would let me know that He really heard my prayer. When I looked up at the sky, I saw a shooting star!  I couldn't believe it!  I thought that I was seeing things, so I rubbed my eyes, and checked my glasses. When I looked up again, I saw another one, then another and another.  I couldn't believe it!  I called my girlfriend to tell her what had happened, and she told me that there was supposed to be a meteor shower that evening. As I told her the story, she said she thought it was a coincidence not a response from God; and, that I must have somehow known subconsciously that there was going to be a meteor shower that evening from the news. I explained that I didn't know there was going to be a meteor shower; and that, I hadn't even heard about it.  But she still didn't believe it was a response from God.  --But I did!  It was too precise.  I had just finished asking for a sign, and there it was.  Then on November 18th, my birthday, I found out that I had gotten the job.” 

As he told the story, I thought about all the people who often pray about a circumstance or problem, yet somehow do not recognize the response when it occurs. It happens to all of us. We are reminded of this in the biblical story of Gideon, found in the Book of Judges, chapter six. Although, told by an angel that he is selected by God to lead Israel into battle against the Midianites and Amalekites, Gideon does not believe that he is the one God really wants. So, to gain confirmation of the angel’s message, he requests that the angel show him a sign.  When the sign occurs, he still does not believe he is the chosen one.  Believing instead that the sign was a coincidence, he requests yet another sign in the reverse order.  Throughout this story, although he is obedient to God, he is confused by his own fear, ultimately questioning almost every direction. 

Sometimes our doubts and fears get so far ahead of us that it becomes hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Yet the light is always there. There are times when you may need a sign to encourage you in your quest; if so, ask. But remember, it was Jesus, in response to Didymus ‘Doubting’ Thomas’ unbelief who said, “Blessed are they who have not seen, yet have believed.”  —Because, sometimes we simply have to have faith in understanding that no matter what happens, God is working on our behalf.   L. 

Study Reference: Judges 6:1-40, John 20:27-29
From: "Show Me A Sign." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Dan Bush

"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.  We are 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

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto Thee. Hide not Thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline Thine ear unto me; in the day when I call, answer me speedily.”    Psalm 102:1-2
 

After taking a certification course to advance his career, a colleague of mine could not find a job in the field of his certification.   A native of the West African country of Nigeria, and a naturally persistent guy, he began feeling the anguish of unemployment. With his savings dwindling, and bills piling up, he began his daily prayer ritual of asking God for a job, with the certainty that his new certification would speed up the process of finding employment. In addition, the certification offered a much anticipated opportunity to travel across the United States.  But unfortunately, no new opportunities arose.

He began to consistently ask God for a job —any job where he could use his newly acquired certification status.  One day after his regular prayer session, the phone rang.  Like most Nigerians, he preferred the balmy breezes of any warm climate; and with fifty states to choose from, he was certain he would be recruited to work in one of the Southern or Western states in the country.  When he answered the phone, the recruiter on the other end asked if he was interested in an out-of-town assignment. “ --Oh yes!”  He answered excitedly.  “Where?”   He asked, wondering about all the possibilities.  “ --Alaska.” The recruiter answered.  “But,” he continued, “--You have to be certified!”   
It was an obvious answer to his prayer, so he took the job.

He laughs while telling the story because he says,
“It never occurred to me to be more specific when placing my petition before God. Of all the places I could have chosen, Alaska was definitely the last place on my list. To be honest, I was so desperate; I would have gone anywhere there was work. Although I was truly grateful, when I got off the phone, all I could do was laugh. God certainly has a sense of humor. I stayed in Alaska for the winter.  --Yes, I experienced winter in Alaska; elk, moose, and reindeer burgers!  All along I knew that God would not have given me something I could not handle!” 

Sometimes we neglect to acknowledge when God answers our prayers. We dismiss the events as mere coincidences, when in fact; it is the very hand of God within our circumstances. My friend could have dismissed the recruiter and the offer to live in Alaska for the winter; but he did not.  He recognized the blessing in his life and pursued his destiny, earning more in the few months he was in Alaska than most people earn in a year. 
Now when he tells the “Alaska” story, he reminds people to be a little more specific when asking God for a particular blessing.  He tells everyone:             
“If you are not interested in going anywhere, then make certain you don’t ask for just anything. Because, if you do, there’s a really good chance that you will get any-thing!”   L. 

Study Reference: Psalm 102:1-2
​ From: "An Answered Prayer." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Victoria Metaxas

“Hear My prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications; in Thy faithfulness answer me and in Thy righteousness. Cause me to hear Thy loving kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee.”        
Psalm 143:1, 8 


Think about this for a moment; why do you pray?  Are you a petitioner? Are you a repenter?  Are you a pleader?  Or, maybe a negotiator?  Or, could you be a complainer? 

Consider this; if you were listening to your own prayers, what would be the overall theme of your prayers?  Would your prayers sound like, “Oh Lord, help me get through this day! I can’t stand those people I work with!” Or, “Lord, forgive me.  I continue to do the things I shouldn’t do.”   Or, possibly more like, “Help me, oh Lord, I need …I need...
​…I need.”  

Do you find yourself praying and asking God for more things in your prayers rather than simply praising God for his overall presence and mercy in your life? Are you thanking Him for the air you breathe? —For the legs you stand on?  —The eyes you see through? 

As Christians, God is our cavalry in times of trouble—the ultimate knight in shining armor who destroys our foes and clears our path. However, sometimes we forget that the holistic power of prayer is to maintain the spiritual bond that forms the foundation of our relationship with God. It is less about asking for things, and more about praising God for His goodness, presence, and mercy in our lives.  It is the love within our spirit thanking God for the Glory of His presence in this world, in our land, and in our lives.  

It is honest gratitude, including gratitude for our problems; gratitude, with the understanding that there is an evolutionary process that occurs in discovering the solution and receiving a breakthrough.  It is the profound understanding of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He said, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42   It is our keen awareness that there may be something we may want, yet cannot receive, because it is not part of our evolutionary process, or spiritual development to receive it as yet. 

Our prayers are extremely complex. During our prayer time, God communes with us; speaking and guiding us in the divine direction of our daily lives.

Obviously, there will be instances when we earnestly petition God; times when we will plead for forgiveness, ask for direction, beg for mercy, or even complain about a particular circumstance. And, there will be times when we pray for ourselves and intercede on the behalf of others. However, let us not forget that the foundation of our overall prayers should always be to maintain a thankful heart filled wholly and simply with gratitude.   L.   

Study Reference: Psalm 143:1, 8; 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6
From: "Got Prayer?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

“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

"Lord I cry unto Thee; make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto Thee. Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”      Psalm 141:1-2


The supplication of solitary prayer is highly personal. It is not like the prayer of agreement; or, like intercessory prayer, where someone who empathizes with you, prays for you.  Solitary prayer is your own personal plea to God for action on your behalf.  No one can do it for you!  It is confession of those deeply personal issues where truly only God can help you.  It is not “…Now I lay me down to sleep…”  It is more like, “Do I jump out of this window now, or drop to my knees and pray?”

Your friends can’t help you because they don’t care; and your family can’t help you because they don’t understand.  It is the kind of problem where your spirit is so completely overwhelmed, --the pain so deeply etched and so far reaching, that only God can soothe it.  The truth is, if you have never been there and you are a Christian—your time will come! It came for David, Joseph, Job, Esther, Mary—the list can go on.  It came for Jesus—it will come for you.  Your solitary prayer is the scent of your soul weeping its petition in the presence of God.  

Revelation 8:3-4 says,

“…And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand…”

Our prayers are the sweet and savory scent of burning incense to God!  Our petitions, pleas, supplications, begging, weeping, moaning, and thrashing, although oftentimes quite painful for us, are the thick sweet smoke of incense before the throne of God!  The deeper the prayer, the stronger the scent! That’s why your words are irrelevant to God; your moaning and tears have their own pungent scent.   

Beloved, know that God hears your supplications, and listens to your inner most needs. So, for a change, instead of waiting until all else fails, why not start with prayer first.  L. 

Study Reference: Psalm 141:1-2, Psalm 142, Revelation 8:3-4  
From: "Solitary Prayer." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

​
"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!
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 us!   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

​“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest ye fall into condemnation.”   James 5:12


...The Bible speaks about integrity in many places; and to be certain, Jesus himself presented the concept in various parables so that we could fully understand what it means to value our words. As it happens, today’s passage is actually found in two places in the Bible. A friend once said to me after some level of my teasing him, "Many a truth is spoken in jest!"  -And the truth is, I notice you rarely say anything you don't really mean."  Years later, I realized that I, like so many people, place an inherent value on the words people actually say; and, my expectations about what they will do comes directly from their own words, whether they value them or not. 

We all know someone who speaks flippantly and does not value his or her words, promises, or commitments. Sometimes, this behavior comes from disappointments in childhood where the adults in their midst did not honor their words, so words lost their value.  In other cases, it stems from the person trying to do so many things at once, that they fall short of their commitments, disavowing their own words. Either way, whether they know it or not, it defines their integrity. 

If you say it, do it. If you really don’t want to do it, say "No." Honor what you believe, and maintain your integrity; because, in the end, it will be one of the few things that count.  L.

Study Reference: James 5:12, Matthew 5:36-37
Excerpt from: "Is It Yes or No?"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver Me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover Me with his feathers, and under His wings shalt I trust: His truth shall be My shield and buckler. I shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence  that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  A thousand shall fall at My side, and ten thousand at My right hand; but it shall not come nigh Me."  
​Psalm 91:1-7
 

Recently, a young pastor, speaking to a group of Chaplaincy students, told a story regarding his 5-year old son. As a Chaplain, pastor, and former soldier, he and his wife decided that they would shield their young son from all the violence and violent images readily available to children, for as long as humanly possible. So, in an effort to do so, they continuously screen everything he watches.  Recently, while in a store making a purchase, he realized that there were movie previews playing in the background of the store. When he looked at his son, he noticed that his son had placed his head on the counter, shielding his eyes from the sudden onslaught of violence shown on the screen. He calmly said, “Son, what’s wrong?” His son, still shielding his eyes, quietly said, “Daddy, I’m scared.” Picking up his son and cradling him close to his chest; he said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Daddy is here. And, Daddy wouldn't let anything happen to you.”
 
As he told the story, I could “see” the entire incident as it unfolded in my head; and, I thought about God’s promise to shield His children when we are scared, under siege, broken, or fearful.  Today’s passage, taken from the beginning verses of Psalm 91, reminds us that God has given us the promise of His protection. It outlines His promise to protect us from snares, pestilence, dark terrors, or daily projectiles.  And, He does not stop there!  He throws in His protection against those things that hide within the crevices of darkness; and, even those things / people that come for us in the fullness of day. He tells us that, thousands may fall from the peril around us, but it will not come near us.
 
Like our Heavenly Father, the father in our story protected his son from the onslaught of a perceived danger. He shielded him from the terror that was imagined in his son's young mind. –Now, consider your Heavenly Father as He shields you against the “thing”  that has you scared, under siege, broken, or fearful.  Consider being under the shadow of His wings, away from any of the things that have taken residence in your life, keeping you feeling trapped and afraid, with your head bowed and eyes shielded.  
If you can understand just how much the father in this story wanted to keep his son protected, then consider just how much more our Heavenly Father will protect you!  L. 
 
**Now, it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today’s verse in your journal. 
 
Study Reference: Psalm 91
From: "Your Thoughts:“Protected.”" In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wordpress
​

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.  Thou believe that there is one God; thou doest well; the devil also believes, and tremble. But will thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”       James 2:18-20
 

There seems to be a serious discussion among Christians about the concept of faith vs. works.  To be honest, I just don’t understand the debate. How can we believe in Jesus Christ and not work in fulfillment of what we believe?
--Are not our actions a manifestation of what we believe? 

There are those who faithfully attend religious services every week. They drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and partake in illegal drugs on those days when they do not attend church services. Does the scripture indicating the sanctity of the body temple mean anything to them? (1 Corinthians 6:19)  And, there are those of us, who go through the Ten Commandments on a regular basis, simply to confirm which ones we didn't break. Do these actions speak to our faith?  Maybe, we are on the fence when it comes to having a complete relationship with God, teeter-toddling between what we know and what we do.  Or, it could be that we believe, one thing does not have anything to do with the other.

It is interesting to note that the Bible says, “…But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves…”  James 1:22.  We are deceiving ourselves if we believe that we can separate our faith from our actions. Our actions are indicative of our faith.  This is the reason we ask for forgiveness for those things we have done that we know are insulting to God.  It is the reason we repent of those things which conflict with our faith.  We are not perfect; as humans we struggle with all sorts of feelings, urges, and habits that can appear difficult for us to resist. However, as Christians, we have faith.  We build our faith on God’s strength, not our own.  We function daily in God’s Divine Grace, and yet still, our works and our actions become the manifestation of our faith. 

In today’s text, the reference to the devil believing in God, reminds those of us who profess our belief in God, yet, continue to do those things which insult God, that the devil has a full understanding of God also.  He professes God as Creator; yet, he is still His enemy.  His actions support his faith. Don’t be confused. It is not enough to believe in God, your actions must support your faith in God. 

Our example is Jesus Christ; His works were the manifestation of His complete connection to God. They were the manifestations of His Faith.  Remember, it was Jesus who said, “…Greater works than these shall you do because I go to my Father.”  John 14:12
When He said this, He was referring to the dimension of faith we have in Him and its connection to our actions manifesting in our works.  Our works are manifestations of our belief.  And, just in case this concept is still difficult to understand, try not doing the work you were hired to do at your current workplace, and see how long you last. 
—Chances are, your work, or lack thereof, will manifest as a lack of faith in job security.   L.
​
Study Reference: James 1:22-25, 2:18-20, Revelation 22:11-12
From: "Faith vs. Works." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty Images

​“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”     Ecclesiastes 3:1-8


There is so much hustle and bustle in our lives, I am not certain how so many people get by without taking time out to be alone. It is not simply taking time out to relax that I am referring to; it is taking the time to renew and re-energize yourself so that you can hear that "still small voice" of God we are always talking about. For most of us, this means actually turning off our cell phones or mobile devices. Yes, I know, just the thought of it almost sent some of you into cardiac arrest!  But trust me, you will be fine. If they really need you, they will call back another time.

It also means turning off the television and detoxifying from the remote control. And yes, it also means actually turning off the computer! —I understand, I use my computer for everything from spreadsheets to graphic design, music, and news; but even so, there comes a time when it has to be turned off.

Recently, I listened as a talk show host asked her audience, “How many of you take your Blackberry/ i-Phones to the bathroom? "  Several people raised their hands. She laughingly reprimanded the audience by looking at the others who did not reply by saying, “—​And the rest are not telling the truth!”   Then she asked, how many still pick it up after 11 pm, 12 am, 1 am, etc. Several audience members raised their hands. What we don’t understand, is that these devices literally become our idols.

Turning off all your distractions will allow you to simply be, giving yourself time to think, pray, and receive the rejuvenation you need. This will ultimately allow you to become a vessel equipped for receiving incoming transmissions from God. How can you be a vessel for receiving incoming transmissions from God, when you are always plugged into all those electronic devises that preoccupy your mind?
To everything there is a time. —Today, just turn it off.  —Well, at least for an hour.  L.

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 
From:"Turning It All Off."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo:  mon soutien etudiant 

​
“… 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)

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth its fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he does shall prosper.”  
Psalm 1:3


​
Consider writing out exactly what today's verse means to you. Not simply a translation of the text; but, as God's personal promise to you.  For instance, for me it means that:  

“When I remain resolute concerning God's promise of replenishment in my life, my endeavors will continue to blossom; and, whatever I plan, build, believe, or create within the will of God, will prosper. And, when I stand in faith, resolute on the Word of God, I will be like a tree planted by the water, continuously replenished, nourished, and blessed for overwhelming growth.”

I figure, if God can be massive, my hopes and dreams can be massive too!

Your affirmation can be more specific in regards to your family, career, talents, gifts, health, goals, and yes, even finances. Try making the text so personal to you that, when you feel as if you are failing, or overwhelmed by life, your personal verse will completely replenish you. For example, to see how powerful this verse is in its simplicity, insert your name in the original text below.  You will feel the difference immediately.  Say it out loud.

I, (insert your first name) _____________, shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bring forth fruit in my season. My goals, health, wealth, love, and forgiveness shall not wither and whatsoever I do shall prosper. Amen. 

Repeat it again.

This verse, taken from the very first song/Psalm of David, is an absolute prophetic affirmation in the life of Believers; why not embrace it and make it one of God’s wonderful promises to YOU!  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 1
From: "Your Thoughts: Affirmation, Planted by The River."
​In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Daniela Duncan

​"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”  And He said unto him, “Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.”        Luke 17:15-19 


Sometimes we question God's Integrity based on our own integrity.  We think because our integrity wavers between good and evil that somehow God will intentionally betray us. Well, this is partly true, if we are referring to betrayal by Truth.  God is consistently Righteous, Holy, and Truthful.  If anything, we are the ones who continually betray God with the inconsistency of our actions, words, and thoughts.  

In Luke 17:11-19, is the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus as he passed through Samaria and Galilee on his way to Jerusalem.  To fully understand the story, you have to know some of the historical correlation between the Samaritans, Jews, and the disease leprosy. All lepers, unlike others who were ailing in ancient times, had to stay away from their village for two reasons; first, villagers felt leprosy was contagious, and second, according to Hebraic law, there were to be no prolonged interactions between the healthy and the sick.  This was especially true if you were a priest.  Once someone was regarded as having leprosy, they were expelled from their village, and other lepers became their new family network, without regard to tribal heritage or culture.  Now the thing about the Samaritans is, the governing Jews despised them.  Samaritans were Jews also, however, because they were racially mixed and had intermarried non-Jews from neighboring tribes, the governing Jews felt they were not “pure-bred.”  We read into this in the exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:9.   

As the story goes, the 10 lepers, outcasts of Hebrew society, ailing with the ultimate disease of their day, cry out to Jesus to heal them, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”  Merciful and faithful He hears their plea for mercy, and says to them, “Go show yourselves unto the priests.”  Although it is taboo to go near the priests, obediently they start to go; and, as they are walking, they are healed.  

Here is the part we forget even today—gratitude. Only one leper—the Samaritan, upon finding himself healed, returns, and in a loud voice, begins to glorify God, giving thanks, prostrate at Jesus’ feet!  Ordinarily, most people refer to the lack of gratitude shown by the other nine, citing Jesus’ query, “…Where are the nine?”  However, since today’s Daily is on faithfulness, let us note, it was the Samaritan, a man from a group the Jews believed to be impure, and possibly unholy, who came back to offer gratitude.   

More importantly, let us remember, although the nine did not return to offer their supplication of gratitude for receiving mercy and healing, Jesus in His Faithfulness did not retract their healing!  So, although we may waver minute by minute; God never does!   L.    

Study Reference: Luke 17:11-19  
From:"Faithfulness, Not Relying On Gratitude." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Groza Danut

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


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

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

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

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

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

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