​“And behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.’ But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying; ‘Send her away for she crieth after us.’ But He answered and said, ‘I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord help me.’  But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.’ And she said, ‘Truth Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their Master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered and said unto her, ‘O woman, great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt.’ And her daughter was made whole from the very hour.”       Matthew 15:22:28

 
There may be a few readers today who are attempting to purposely persevere through some very trying times. You may be one of them.  You may be trying to save your life, your family, your marriage, or even your home; if so, the story of the Canaanite woman who sincerely wanted her daughter healed is for you. 

This story, when you really understand it, is extremely emotional. The Canaanites were known for their worship of all types of idols. So, it is with some degree of determination that this woman pursues Jesus and pleads with Him to heal her daughter.  We can imagine she pursued Him while others in her surroundings criticized her.  Even the disciples of Jesus didn't want anything to do with her.  Yet, she doggedly pursues Jesus anyway.  

During the exchange in today’s verse, Jesus, the Light of God personified, openly appears to ignore her. Then, when He finally responds, He rejects her, telling her that God did not send Him to help her.  Yet, she worships Him in supplication anyway, and pleads some more.  When He responds again, He tells her that responding to her request is like giving His gifts to dogs.  Dogs!  

Most of us would have walked away with our heads bowed and hearts sorrowful at that time.  I am not certain if I were called a dog whether I would continue to plead, even with God.  In today’s vernacular the idea of being referred to as a “female dog,” is still by far an extreme insult. Yet she endured being called a dog by the Light of the World; and yet, she  responds not by getting angry or even insulted, but by saying, “...even “dogs” are worthy of the crumbs which fall from the master’s table.  

When I consider this story, it always brings with it a well of emotion.  Imagine the sincerity of her request, the type of pleading—begging, that she had to sustain to repeatedly endure rejection by God.  Yet she does not give up; she does not give in.  By the time she is prostrate on the ground in front of Jesus, accepting His assertion of her and her daughter’s dog status, she humbly pleads; “even dogs” deserve healing from God.  We should be moved to tears when we read this story. Since, it is so easy to imagine her pleading her case before God —we have all been there, desperate and out of options.  Then almost miraculously, with the full compassion of God, Jesus answers her plea to heal her daughter.  He spoke the Word, and it was done immediately!  

Sometimes it appears that our personal pleas and prayers are not being answered by God.  It seems as if God hears the prayer, the crying, the hopelessness, and doesn't respond.  He appears to hold our request in a type of spiritual limbo; calling us out, exposing our frailties, testing our courage and faith.  Everything seems to get worse; so, unlike the Canaanite woman, we give up.  We hinder our own faith, and His response, by conceding to the circumstances instead of persevering with God who is by nature inherently merciful.  

Like the Canaanite woman, if you have been praying for a breakthrough, or for something that you know only God can answer, remember not to give up, even if there is no response the first time.  Even if the second response seems dismal; and yes, even if you appear to be called out by God as a non-deserving dog; continue to  ardently plead your case anyway, because “dogged” persistence and perseverance always pays off with God!   L.

Study Reference: Matthew 15:21-28, Psalm 31:24
From:"Persistent Perseverance."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
​photo: Chris McKay

“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 ​

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“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us..., that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead; Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver; in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us…”     2 Corinthians 1:8-10


Several years ago, I had the opportunity to listen to a brilliant young pastor speak about being "pressed" by God, while offering very specific accounts of his own life experience. The memories of the hope he stirred within a very attentive congregation, encouraged every listener to overcome the obstacles placed in their life, simply by increasing their faith.

He correlated God's "pressing" in our life to “ironing a garment to remove the wrinkles.”  It was a truly fascinating analogy that easily created an instant visual for me!  As he spoke, I thought to myself, even garments that appear to be permanent pressed still need a little ironing!  So, even if you consider someone permanently-pressed by God, not needing any ironing whatsoever; simply remind yourself that, even a warm iron used on a permanent press garment can truly make its appearance spectacular!

He also reminded us that God's iron knows the precise setting He needs to remove the wrinkles out of our life without burning our outer layers or scarring our inner layers.  God knows if we are synthetic like polyester, durable like cotton, rough and wrinkly like linen, or even fine like silk.  -So, no matter what setting YOU need, He will not burn you in the process!  

If this is so, what else can we really say about our trials and tribulations but,-Hallelujah!   -Yes, but don't forget to also say, “Have mercy on me Oh Lord, as You press out the wrinkles!"   L.

Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 
From: "Pressing Out The Wrinkles." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: istock, repairclinic

​“[I am] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [I am] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”      2 Corinthians 4:8-9


Be strong in whatever difficulties you are going through today.  Know that God loves you; and, that the issues you are going through will subside. Oftentimes, when we are going through deeply personal trials, we tend to be at our weakest —exposed, and exhausted.  Yet, it is precisely in our weakness that God teaches us how to persevere using His Strength, not ours. It is in our perseverance that we literally become our strongest. —So, just consider it a strength and endurance exercise to gain Power for your spirit.

In our weakness and sheer exhaustion, we learn how to relinquish our mind, body, and spirit to God; and, how to truly pray in earnest.  It is in those times that we actually learn what the Bible means when it says, "lean not" on your own understanding, but on your Faith in God.

Added below is another text which will strengthen your spirit. I changed the "we" to "I" and the "your" to "my;" to make the text more personal.  Try it now; it will strengthen your spirit! —Simply repeat it; and, keep repeating it until you actually feel God’s Power.

"[I am] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [I am] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”   2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"That Christ may dwell in [my heart] by Faith, that [I], being rooted and grounded in Love may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the Love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that [I] might be filled with all the Fullness of God.”     Ephesians 3:18      

Breathe. Then, do it again.      
                                                                                       
When you are finished, know that God is strengthening you with His Power and His Love, giving you everything you need to be victorious!   L. 
​
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verses in your journal.
​
Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Ephesians 3:18
From: “Your Thoughts: Power!.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: Rakiyah​

​"…Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness 
​of God.”    James 1:19


What does it take to truly make you angry? --Tick you off?  --Send you into a rage?  Are you hot-headed, quick-tempered, and able to add a retort faster than Superman can stop a speeding bullet?  Is everyone in your midst desperately trying not to crack the eggshells you so strategically placed around you?  If so, today’s biblical verse was created just for you. 

As Christians, it should take a lot for us to truly get angry.  We should not allow most things to rile our peace or push us to anger. It should take true effort on the part of a perpetrator to push us over the top. It may not be like this for you now; it may take a conscious effort on your part, and age—yes, age.  The old adage is true, wisdom actually comes with age; because, the older you become, the more you discover that most things are simply not that deep to you anymore.

One of the things I have also noticed is, although I have become even more discerning in the friendships that I cultivate, I have also become more tolerant. I now take into consideration the triggers that may prompt another person to react negatively.  It could be my words, a conflicting viewpoint, or even a misunderstanding in how we interpret the same incident.  So now, I continuously remind myself of the text found in Ephesians 4:29:

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  

The trouble with this text is, it is not supposed to be used by the other person on you; it is supposed to be spiritually implemented by you on them!  It is not that you give up, concede, or relinquish your position to the other person; you simply make a determination not to push yourself or the other person, so far to the edge, all involved can maintain their self-control.  Obviously, you cannot control the thoughts or actions of others; however, when you begin to think of yourself as an edifier of others, it becomes increasingly difficult to tear them down and quite easy to see their position.  Sometimes, it is relatively easy to allow them to say whatever they like, knowing it will not affect your status as a child of God.  In any case, you will find that you are able to administer a truce when you clearly see the beginnings of a war; or, simply walk away when you have determined there is no other option.  

You have the option of controlling your anger, or allowing your anger to control you.  Sometimes, it is as easy as remaining silent and refraining from a snappy retort; at other times, it will mean walking away with a solid amicable agreement to disagree. Either way, you win. You would have maintained your position, your self-control, and self-respect; but, more importantly, you allowed the other person to maintain theirs.   L.

Study Reference: James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29  
From: "Slow to Anger." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Craig/ 500-px

​“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

​"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice; and be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”    
Ephesians 4:30-32

​
Forgiveness is a major issue for most people; and yet, it is detrimental to harbor resentment, unforgiveness, anger, hatred, and fear.  No matter how content we may appear on the outside, each one of those characteristics correlates to many of the things that ail our bodies and plague our lives. 

Expanding on tomorrow's thought, “A Gift to Yourself,” if you are trying to figure out how to begin the process of forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply, start by praying for yourself and that person. Praying for the other person is a vital component.  Ask God to forgive you for not being able to forgive that person; and, ask for His help in beginning the process. Ask Jesus to come into your heart, so that you can use His Strength and His Love in forging a path to forgiveness.  Ask Him to place a sense of forgiveness in your heart to disable any obstacles you may have in actually forgiving the person. This is not a lip-service exercise.  It is a meditation to begin the cleansing of your spirit and the opening of a more abundant life through the Spirit of God.   It is the act of forgiveness that cleanses both your spirit and that of the other person, whether they know it or not; and, whether they acknowledge it or not. 

Start by placing a mental image of Jesus in the place of that person. The very act of placing Jesus in place of the person you want to forgive makes the process of forgiving clearer.  By placing Jesus in front of the person, instead of your love, with its defined limitations, you’ll see the very Spirit of Jesus Christ standing in their place. The resentment, anger, and fear will begin to subside as you begin to clearly see their weaknesses as well as your own. Compassion becomes fuller; forgiveness becomes stronger; love becomes easier. 

The simple act of placing Jesus in place of the person(s) you need to forgive, helps you to forge a path to forgiving others, thereby, accelerating your healing process and spiritual development. Forgiveness is a gift from God to you; your acceptance of God’s forgiveness pays it forward to others, allowing His gift to keep giving in perpetuity.

Ultimately, the act of forgiveness from you is really not for anyone else, it is a gift from God to you; and from you back to God. L.

Study Reference: Ephesians 4:1-32
From:" Accepting The Gift."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: fondos animados

“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.  He answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:28-31


If God left your side today, would you still maintain your righteousness?  What about your integrity?  If God sat on the sidelines watching you, would He be proud of your actions?  What we do when others are watching is one thing: and, how we act when we think no one is watching is another. 

Do you remember when your parents left you alone for the first time?  If you were an only child, you were in charge of the house; or, if you were even a year older than your siblings were, you were responsible for their behavior.  You may have been the kind of child that lost his or her mind, tearing up the house, hoping to restore it back to splendor prior to your parents return, like the proverbial story of The Cat in The Hat.  On the other hand, you may have been the child who somehow turned into your parents and assumed the role of responsibility they believed you were capable of; either way, you had a choice, and clearly understood the consequences of your actions. 

As Christians, we are always under scrutiny. Our actions belie everything about us, especially when we believe no one is watching. Jesus offered a parable in Matthew 21:28-31 where he talks about two sons accepting the responsibility of working in the vineyard.  One says he will not work in the vineyard, but repents and does so. The other says he will, but does not. The question today is, which one is better? The Christian, who accepts the responsibility and principles of being a Christian and falls short, yet acknowledges his or her weakness, repenting to follow its principles once again. Or, the one who accepts the responsibility and acts accordingly in the presence of all, yet purposely continues to be evil in the dark when they believe no one is watching.  Well, a word to the wise—Beware!  
Remember, —even when we believe no one is watching--God watches all.  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 21:28-32,  Matthew 23:28
From:"When No One Sees." n The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock ​

​"Thou hast granted me life and favor, and Thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.”   Job 10:12

 
Understanding balance is probably one of the most difficult things for us to do. We stand in awe of those who are athletes, dancers, and acrobats; because, their discipline allows them to be able to achieve feats that somehow seem unnatural to us.  I remember the first time I saw Michael Jordan play basketball. While he was already in the air, he stepped upwards twice as if he was actually going up a staircase to dunk the basketball. He languished in mid-air as he placed the basketball in the net, while all  the other players watched him from below his unseen staircase to the hoop. To viewers, he seemed to have a God-given ability far superior to his opponents. But to his teammates, he was the hardest working member, practicing more hours than any other player on his team. 

Sometimes we look at our own lives, and do not understand the balance between relying on our natural abilities and/or God’s Divine interaction.  Often, one is clearer than the other, as it should be. While at other times, we can hardly determine which one is which. The truth is, save yourself some time and effort in trying to decipher the origin and just give God the glory, because either way, the gift came from Him.  

Yes, there are times when you will receive God’s favor and emerge the victor when you have not trained for the fight. However, it is better to study for the exam and pray to ace it, than to pray to pass it and not study. If you have studied for the exam, at least God in His compassion can move the information buried deep within the recess of your brain and send it to the forefront.

There are times when God will use your natural ability and there are times when He will use His.
Ideally, we train, develop, and strengthen our natural ability, because, as we do so, it is homage to God for the gift He has given us. Yet, we rely on His strength because we know we cannot accomplish much without it. 

You alone know what is natural to you and what is not; and, it is up to you whether you give God glory for your simple knowledge, superior skill, or His favor.  So, achieving true balance is individual; it is your ideal understanding of how God responds in your life, and can be the difference whether your gifts are used for greatness or mediocrity.   L. 

Study Reference: Job 10:9-13  
From: "The Balancing Act." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: istock

​A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”        
​Proverbs 18:20-21 

                     
Are you speaking ailments into your life?  It is perplexing how many Christians speak ill health into their lives without really understanding or knowing that they are doing it. So many of us do it every day, it has become our mantra; a custom-made ailment specifically spoken and created by us, for us. 

For instance, “You are going to give me a heart-attack!”  “You’re a pain in the neck!” “I’m going to have a fit!”  “It’s driving me crazy!” “They’re getting on my nerves!”  “He’s a pain in the @#$%!”  Although these sayings are commonplace and seem innocent enough, they are not. They are actual affirmations spoken out loud by most of us everyday which are not conducive to our physical or mental health.  

Although it is customary to ask others how they are feeling, most of us really do not want to hear a pharmaceutical list of ailments and ills.  Yet, there are some people that, every time you call them, they are literally falling apart.  So much so, you find yourself falling in line with their conversation, reciting your own laundry list of ailing body parts.  It is infectious!  Rebuke it!  When you are around others who speak illness into their lives, do not fall prey to the trap.  Resist the urge to add your own list to their repertoire.  Feel free to pray for them, but do not fall prey to reciting your own list.  Instead, the next time you speak to someone who is an “A-Lister,” my specific term for a habitual ailment-lister, tell them how very blessed you are to be walking in the light of God’s love and health.  If you do this enough times, you can be certain that the person will eventually stop offering you a list of their ailing body parts.  If you are this person, you are literally making yourself sick.

Speak health, wellness, and rejuvenation into your life.  As a child of the Most High God, healing is a part of your legacy.  When Jesus went to Calvary He bore all our curses, diseases, pain, torments, ailments, and the like.  Why call it back to yourself when you really don’t have to?  Today, claim health, and speak Life!  L. 

Study Reference: Proverbs 18:20-21, Psalm 103:3-5
From: "Speaking Health." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: water lily/istock

​“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.”     John 4:23-24

​
Jesus Himself uttered today’s verse to the woman He met at the well in Samaria after she explained “where” she worshipped God. Yet instead, in His response He explains, what “type” of worship God truly requires of us.
 
Some of us go to church out of rote; we simply have kept the tradition of going week after week, because it was fostered by our parents and grandparents. So, we walk in broken and unfulfilled, and we walk out cloaked the very same way. We utter pleasantries, hear the Word, then leave; and, although God may speak directly into our lives while there, we enact no change. So, what’s the point?   If you are coming out the same way that you went in, with no change to your spirit or your truth, what is really the point?
 
In the case of the Samaritan woman at the well, God spoke directly into her life. The truth of her life was that she felt spiritually unfulfilled, ostracized, and completely unworthy. This was her truth. God already knew it; and, this truth is what He needed for her to bring to the altar. And yet, she came day after day to the wellspring thirsty and unfulfilled; worse yet, leaving God in the very same state, thirsty and unfulfilled in reference to her life.
 
The idea of worship in Spirit and in Truth is exactly what it says.  It is the relinquishing of your Spirit to God, where you bring the issues of your existence to the altar for purging.  It means bringing the truth about your feelings, fears, hopes, dreams, desires, and aches to the altar. It means that, if you walked in with a pending issue, that issue is left at the altar when you leave. We are in the midst of a new year; do you still want to do the same old thing?  Do you leave Jesus at the well, thirsty for the utterance of your truth, unfulfilled with the relinquishing of your spirit?  Or, are you really ready to make the necessary changes to be fully quenched in Spirit and in Truth?  Like all things pertaining to God, it comes down to one decision. Do you allow Him to lead your life or not?   The decision is yours alone.
There really is no middle ground –it is either yes, or no.  L.
 
Study Reference: John 4:4-32, John 4:23-24, James 5:12
From: “In Spirit and In Truth.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo credit: istock

 "Nevertheless, My loving kindness will I not take away from you; nor suffer My faithfulness to fail, My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips."          Psalm 89:33-34


Throughout the Bible, there were many instances where God prophesied a future occurrence in the lives of His people. He did so in the lives of Abraham, Samson, David, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Mary, to name a few.  Yet, they all had to wait to see the manifestation of His promise.  Why should you be any different?

Sometimes, we will receive a vision of a future event in our lives while we are still in the midst of an arduous or trialing situation. We remember the prophesy; and yet, it appears as though it will never manifest. Then, we somehow get the inclination that we should help God in producing the vision, and so we do not wait for God’s direction; only to find out, our timing was completely off.  Our waiting becomes a burden, our trust in God becomes an issue, and disappointment appears to become our closest friend. However, do not be dismayed.

You received the vision so you would not lose faith. It was a key; a look into your own future to offer hope, patience, and strength when those arduous and trialing times became way too burdensome. God promised you a better future and will not falter.

According to today’s verse, even on the worse days when your trust and faith is at its lowest, God says, He will not take His loving-kindness from you. His faithfulness will not fail, and nothing that He has promised you will He alter from your life. It is right there in your Bible in black and white.
–Hallelujah!  –Isn't that a terrific prophesy for your life!   L.

Study Reference: Psalm 89:33-34
From: "A Prophesy In Your Life."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: unknown

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat... for He grants sleep to those He loves."
Psalm 127:2 (NIV)


Are you sleeping well? Did you have a good night sleep?  
Did you know that having peaceful sleep is a blessing? Peaceful sleep means that you have taken care of what you can; and, you have relinquished the daily issues and cares of this world to the only One who can dissolve your fears —God. However, for those of you who are struggling with peaceful slumber, here’s a thought:

Turn off the television. 
The television, with its loud commercials, bad news, and concurrent episodes of murder, mayhem, and the mundane, penetrate your psyche and change the natural cycle of your dreams.  Advertising executives originally developed television commercials to foster action, creating desire for their product, and the anxiety to purchase.
—None of which you will be doing in your sleep. 

Turn off the music. 
The music, even if it is your favorite song, actually does the same thing as the television commercials. However, they stimulate your senses a little differently.  Since the music is your favorite music, the songs trigger a more overt 
emotional reaction by prompting memories to the surface, not allowing your brain to rest or relax. This is why the best commercials are set to music. They correlate a product to a favorite memory increasing the anxiety to purchase. Again, no need to count sheep. --Just turn it off. 

Turn off the lights. 
Turning off the lights tells your brain you are ready to sleep. It allows your body to wind down, limiting external stimuli to your eyes and skin. It is one of the reasons we get so tired during the winter months; we do not receive enough light stimulation from the sun. Days are shorter, we are tired earlier.
So, close the drapes, and flip the switch.

Say your prayers. 
Saying your prayers at bedtime is not just for children; and, it is not, “Now I lay me down to sleep...”  Saying your prayers upon retiring signifies that you are relinquishing all your daily cares to God, acknowledging His blessings and sovereignty in your life. It is courageously accepting those things you can change, and enduring those things you cannot.  Ask God's blessing for yourself, and those you love; ask for forgiveness for whatever you believe you have done against Him, yourself, and your fellow man. Then, close your eyes to the world and leave the rest to God. The Bible says, "...He offers sleep to those He loves."  So, to you, —Sweet dreams and peaceful slumber.  L.

Study Reference: Psalms 127:2
From:"Peaceful Slumber." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: etsy

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“Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith produces patience.”   
James 1:2-3


Patience is one of the hardest things for us as Christians; and, God works with us on a continuous basis to learn the art of patience.  The issue with patience is, our time is limited. We want, what we want, now, not later. It is indicative of our generation. We have learned how to make things faster, streamlining as many things as possible, taking out some of the extraordinary to make room for the mundane and the ordinary. We have become so accustomed to the basic, when we see something just a little above ordinary, we are inspired. 

Take a look around; we have fast food, fast lanes, quick-dry, instant-this, and instant-that.  Gone are the days of slow-brewed, slow-broiled, homemade, and hand-done. The problem is, although we want everything as quickly as possible, God’s timing is still the same.  A day is still 24 hours; and, one year is still 365 days, give or take a leap year.  And although calendar days were originally named by men, “the rising of the sun and the going down of the same,” still represents one day. God’s original clock works on a schedule, both for days and for human beings. This has not changed since the beginning of time.

For most of us, patience is a problem; I am no different. If I could walk faster without running, type faster without practicing, and learn more without studying, I am certain I would sign up in a minute. But the truth is, everything takes time—everything.  We are the decision makers of what we do with our time.  Even when we seemingly have no choice, we have a choice.  We have the choice to work and be miserable, or to work and be thankful.  We have the choice to wait on line with patience, while doing something that interest us, or wait in line tapping our foot and complaining about the slowness of the process.  We have the choice to spend our time with people we love, or waste it with mundane onlookers who could care less about our life. We have the choice to learn something new every day, expanding the horizon of our knowledge; or to sit back comfortably believing we know everything we need to know in this life, remaining closed-minded and archaic.  

...Learn to have patience. Patience with what you do, with whom you love, with what you learn, and more importantly, with God. God answers all prayers necessary for you to have the best of the life you have chosen for yourself. Respect those things not chosen for you and understand that somehow they are not distributed to you for a reason. Acknowledge those things placed in your life, taking the time to reflect backwards so you can learn how certain decisions made in the past have resulted in the here and now. Have patience. Patience removes fear. Be patient; for God created time, and time always wins whether you are patient or not.  -L. 

Study Reference: James 1:2-3
Excerpt from: "Patience:" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Peter Gridley / Getty

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

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

“For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shall open your hand wide unto your brother, to the poor, and to the needy, in your land.”  Deuteronomy 15:11


In an interview a few years ago, American comedian Chris Rock said, “–Someone called me rich! Rich?  –Uh-uh, I’m not a basketball player; or, a football player, or a baseball player!  –They’re not even rich! –Rich, is the guy who writes their checks!”

Have you ever wondered what separates newly homeless people from the average middle-income adult? Continue reading while you give the answer some thought. 

Most people have no understanding of what it means to be truly poor due to outlying circumstances.  We see it; we hear about it; yet, we ignore it. Why? –Because, our understanding of the word “poor” primarily has to do with how well we can actually afford to live. We base it on whether we can afford a new car, designer clothing, evenings out, or quite possibly, for example, the ability to purchase groceries without really caring about the price. We stretch our disposable income to prove that we are not poor; or at least, not as poor as the person next door.  Poor becomes relative; it depends on who you are talking to, and more importantly, whom the comparison is with. 

Wealth, of course, is also relative. The Bible says, the poor shall never cease out of the land. Yet the truth is, we really don’t like to acknowledge people who are “poorer-than-us;” because, deep-down we know that “there, by the Grace of God, go I” every time we look at them. The homeless, the desolate, the desperate; they make us angry and sometimes a little defensive. We wonder how they got themselves into it, and know deep down in our core that it can never happen to us.  Oh? -Never?  –Have you answered the opening question as yet?   Read it once more.

Economists say that if you currently live from paycheck to paycheck, and have neglected to save at least 6 months to a year of your salary to maintain your household bills, you, more than likely, can fall victim to homelessness. If you lose your job, and do not find another before your savings or unemployment checks run out, you too can be homeless. It does not matter if you are white collar, blue collar, or no-collar, it can still happen.

–So, the reason that we pay close attention to the directive in Deuteronomy 15:11  is because, “There, by the Grace of God, go I, you, us, we!”   We give because we can. We give because it’s right.  But, more importantly, we give because if we are ever in the same circumstances, we pray that someone will have mercy on us!  L.

Study Reference: Deuteronomy 15:10-15, Zechariah 7:9-13 
Excerpt from: "Acknowledging Wealth? Are U Rich? " In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

 























​“Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.”      Matthew 11:11

 
There is no doubt about John the Baptist’s direct relationship to Jesus; not only was he Jesus’ cousin, he was divinely chosen by God to be the messenger foretelling Jesus’ ministry.  In today’s society, he would be considered the advertisement trailer —the pre-event marketing strategy of the main event.  When we read about his life, we know he lived sparsely, ate sparingly, and until his appearance in Israel, remained mostly in solitude in the desert and wilderness. At some point, because of the righteousness of the life he led, the people believed he was the Messiah. However, he was certain to correct them whenever he heard them.  It is interesting to note that his ministry was so well-known, that even the nobles knew who he was, and feared him.  Yet, in the comment above, Jesus states that as great as John-the-Baptist was, the very “least” of us in the Kingdom of God will be “greater than he.” 

Imagine for a moment that we, with all our faults, limitations, and disbelief; with repentance, remission of sin, baptism, and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, will be greater than John-the-Baptist!  It is almost too stunning to imagine.  Here is a man that while he was in the very womb of his mother, was already filled with the Holy Spirit praising God. (Luke 1:15)  

John-the-Baptist truly understood the purpose for his life; somehow he did not get side-tracked by the perils of life; he did not get bogged down by the minutia of life, he simply stayed on course to become a walking advertisement for baptism in Jesus Christ.  He fulfilled his purpose even unto the end of his life when things seemed the bleakest.  

Today, let the promise of God lead your faith; and let no man take from you the gift that has already been freely given in Jesus Christ.   L.

Study Reference: Luke 3:2-22 Matthew 14:3-14
From: "Remaining On Course."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: bluefish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”    2 Corinthians 5:17
 

Every summer we see beautiful butterflies fluttering; crawlers that spent spring being revitalized in a cocoon especially created by God.  An example to us of what can happen when we allow God to transform our lives.  We have all heard countless discussions on the emergence of a cocooned butterfly used as a metaphor for new birth. However, few people speak about the “ugly stuff” the butterfly goes through during its transformation deep in the confines of its cocoon.  —And, we can be certain; there is “ugly stuff.” 

As we can imagine, it takes radical plastic surgery for a caterpillar with multiple legs and tiny warts, originally relegated to combing the ground for food, to be transformed into a beautiful multi-colored flyer that will satiate itself from the air with the nectar of flowers.  Socially, the caterpillar goes from being a “creepy-crawler” no one wants around, to a beautiful flyer we plant special gardens to attract; forgetting that, if we attract them as butterflies, they will eventually lay caterpillar eggs. (Hmm…a good topic for another day.)   I was thinking about the butterfly when I heard a cicada (sic-kay-dah, or sick-ah-dah, either pronunciation is correct) in the tree outside my window.   

A cicada is an insect that, contrary to the butterfly, never realizes its full potential.  I am not certain why God created the cicada; however, it might have been to give us an example of what happens when you do not allow God to transform your life. Unlike the caterpillar, after the cicada is born it eventually crawls back into the ground to live. Possibly afraid of being eaten by the “crows” of life, it spends the next 17 years hiding underground until it reaches adulthood.  It never experiences life; it does not taste the flora of trees or the nectar of flowers.  It does not know God.  It lives on the dung and other waste byproducts that seep into the earth.  Upon reaching adulthood, the cicada, an unattractive nymph, sheds its skin, emerging as a locust-like insect, with a timbre underbelly that produces the loud sound we often hear coming from trees. Like the butterfly, it also receives wings, however, the cicada does not really fly, it sort of hops with some degree of loftiness, nourishing itself on the dead branches of trees; since, there was no warm, soft cocoon to protect, nurture and guide its transformation for flight. 

So let’s recap, the cicada is born, sleeps for 17 years, awakens to mate, produce offspring, and dies.  That is their entire life!  And just in case you quietly thought to yourself, “Hmm…that’s not so bad.”  Once it awakens from its 17-year nap, it will only live for 6 weeks, two months at best!  Two months to do the one thing all creatures are biologically engineered to do—procreate. 

I know this will be a stretch for some people, but imagine the butterfly and the cicada as two people given the choice to know God or not.  The cicada chooses a life without the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and so after birth it crawls back into the earth to sleep most of its life away, emerging only to mate and die.  While the Butterfly chooses to know God, accepting the cocooned transformation necessary to please God, and emerges a beautiful new creature, experiencing life aloft, above the dung piles of the earth, the way God intended for it to live.  In real life, the cicada may not have a choice, but we do.  --Transform!  —Then, share your faith and help someone else transform!   L.  
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Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21  
From: " The Butterfly & The Cicada." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock