"Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:16


As Christians, there are words, Bible verses, psalms, personal prayers, and benedictions we profess every time we attend church services. There are songs and hymns we sing, that literally “shout a battle cry,” announcing to all listening that we have relinquished our love and life to God Almighty.  And yet, if you didn't tell anyone that you were a Christian, would they be able to tell from your current life?  You know. —The life you live when you are away from your church.  Could they tell by the way you treat others or interact with strangers?  What about the way you conduct yourself at work?   Is God's excellence shown forth in your daily routine or is it lacking?

Today’s verse states that your Light should shine before men so that all those who interact with you may see God at work in your life.

So, if you maintain a grumbling spirit and tend to be pessimistic in every aspect of your life, yet you really believe that you are a beloved child of the Most High God; then, remember this.  Sometimes, the only reflection of God that another person may ever see —is YOU.   And, unbeknownst to you, many times, it will be your only opportunity to introduce them to God’s Love, Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness.  This has nothing to do with “preaching” or even sharing the Gospel of Jesus.  It has to do with your life actually exhibiting what you profess.

Our life is our own personal and reasonable sacrifice to God. It exhibits everything that we believe we "know" or have learned about Him.  Once we believe that we are Children of the Most High God, it tempers how we act and what we say.  It tempers the things we do and the things we don't.  It controls the quality of what we expect from life, from ourselves, and from others. —It even reflects what we expect from God.

Yes, your life and personal Light must glorify God; it ultimately emits a Light frequency that quietly speaks volumes about your true feelings concerning His omnipotence over your life.  It unconsciously reflects your understanding of God’s Love in your life —whether you fully acknowledge it or not.

The question prompted by today’s verse is a highly personal one; it asks you to truly reflect on your demeanor and outlook as viewed through the eyes of others.  —​Are you a beacon of God’s Light in this world, or are you barely, a dimly lit spark?  L. 

Study Reference: John 17:4, Matthew 5:14-16
From: " Your Thoughts: Set Apart II” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Magiczone ​

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 "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”  Exodus 14:14


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As I left work enjoying the first warm spring day of the year, I noticed some words written on the sidewalk in white chalk. I walked closer to read, what turned out to be a very profound phrase,  “Don’t allow anger to destroy your peace!"  The quote, signed by a neighborhood artist named, De la Vega, resounded in my mind and immediately uplifted my spirit.  

It appears that I have become a fan of De la Vega since reading, on previous occasions, several other sidewalk renderings penned in the temporary stain of white chalk. One of my favorites was a series of white chalk animations of a lone fish, dreaming of leaving a small fish bowl. The first image featured the fish swimming in a classic round fishbowl; the second, showed the fish jumping out of the bowl and unto the sidewalk, happily walking on newly found legs. The caption read, “Become your dream!”  

The most recent sidewalk rendering, again written with the simplicity of white chalk, simply stated, “Praying confronts God.”  Although I didn't quite agree with the statement, I easily understood the thought behind the words. There are times when praying confronts God; however, the confrontation is always tempered by our understanding that, at the appointed time, we will understand the reason behind God's process. 

I am not certain what issues prompted De la Vega to begin promoting his or her art on the sidewalks of New York City. —A place where people tread so easily without paying much attention. Maybe it was just to offer pause and pleasure to weary pedestrians, in a city where speedily walking to and from one’s destination is the norm. However, pausing to read the words, I felt inclined to silently thank him or her for the gift of gently reminding us, never to allow anger the power to steal our peace. —Peace that we so often and easily relinquish to any errant passerby who crosses our path.  

Remember, the power of bestowing and maintaining personal peace belongs only to God. When you relinquish your personal peace to someone else, they become your god. —Since, ultimately, you worship them enough to offer the sacrifice of God’s peace in your life, in return for their turmoil.  

Peace in your life is the highest level of living; it is, in essence, a complete lack of conflict mentally, physically, and spiritually.  It allows your spirit’s communal connection to God to flow effortlessly.  On more than one occasion Jesus said it very clearly to the people in His midst, “Peace be unto you.”  —So, as De La Vega so aptly put it; “Don’t allow anger to destroy your peace.”  L.   

Study Reference: Exodus 14:14  
From: "Holding Your Peace" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Grazia Loves Italy

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​"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

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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 “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

​“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”     1 Timothy 6:7-12


Andrew Carnegie was the second richest man in the US in 1901.  He was an industrialist /steel tycoon and the owner/ recipient of the largest corporate transaction in U.S. history (until the recent buyout of GM), when he sold, what is now known as U.S. Steel, for almost $500 million in gold bonds. In today's market, that $500 million transaction would give him a net worth of more than $275 billion dollars. He was considered a shrewd businessman who literally emerged from "rags to riches," educating himself in business, philosophy, and philanthropy.

The thing that fascinates me about Andrew Carnegie was his position on wealth.  He thought money was a worthless idol of the worst kind.  He wrote, "...The amassing of wealth is one of the worse species of idolatry.  No idol is more debasing than the worship of money …the man who dies rich, dies disgraced." 

A truly introspective quote from the man who commissioned the book Think & Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill; and endowed more than $200 million upon his death to charities that still continue to benefit today from his philanthropy. He believed you should spend the first 3rd of your life in the pursuit of knowledge, getting all the education you could afford; the second 3rd in the pursuit of money; and, the last 3rd of your life, giving it all to charity. -This is of course, assuming you live, he died at 83. 

While he was alive, he gave most of his money away to those interested in helping others. He built both Carnegie-Mellon University, and Carnegie Hall; and, he paid for and built all the public libraries in most of the United States.
What does this have to do with Jesus?   What does this have to do with being a Christian in a world steeped in subcultures and the pursuit of the all-mighty-dollar?  -​Nothing! 

Like Andrew Carnegie, we will all return to the dust we emerged from. The Bible doesn’t say that money is evil; it says, “...the love of money is the root of all evil.”  So, spend your time wisely; it’s always shorter than you think. Use your pursuits to help those who need it.   It’s true; we have to eat, and we deserve to live exquisitely; but, in our attempt to live well, let’s not forget to Love God, Have Faith, Laugh often, and Love much.  L.

Study Reference: 1 Timothy 6:7-12 
From:"The Pursuit of Happiness."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: el sembrador

"And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound; and he was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him Mercy, and gave him Favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.  …The Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper”   Genesis 39:20-23


What happens when you have done everything right and still wrongfully accused of an unlawful act; or, punished for something you did not do; or, fired for doing the right thing? —Or, not believed when you are clearly telling the truth? Does this mean that it occurred because the Blessing of God has disappeared from your life? No, not if you are walking in a path of righteousness. In the previous Daily entitled, Blessings Upon You, we read how God’s Blessing was with Joseph, although he was a slave in his master’s house. 

In the passage above, Joseph is wrongfully accused by Potiphar’s wife of an attempted rape. Unfortunately, even if Potiphar did not believe his wife, his jealousy and knowledge of his wife's seduction of Joseph would have prohibited him from once again relinquishing the reins of his household to Joseph. Feeling betrayed, confused, and angry, he throws Joseph in prison. However, not just any prison—the royal prison. Even by today’s standards, there is regular prison, with its varied population of all sorts of prisoners, and there are federal prisons. White-collar prisons so exclusive, they have been nicknamed, Club Fed, due to the many amenities available to those incarcerated. Understandably, we know the Favor of God is still with Joseph, because, instead of going to the typical Hebrew slave prison, he is sent to the royal prison. A prison, where he would eventually meet a key advisor to the king; someone who would be pivotal to the prophesied Blessing God planned for his life from the day of his birth. 

What’s interesting is, while in prison, even the royal prison warden recognized the blessing on Joseph’s life. So much so, he placed Joseph in charge of the other prisoners. —​Huh? —​Wasn’t Joseph himself a prisoner?

The point is, when you are Blessed by God, nothing can inhibit His Blessing, only you. Even when everything seems unimaginably unfair, and depressingly bleak; if you can remember to thank God for keeping you sane through the trials, and to praise Him for His Favor in bringing you through it while you are still in the midst of it; then, like Joseph, you will see your victory and the continual Blessing of God’s Favor in your life. L. 

Study Reference: Genesis 39:7-23
From: "Blessings, Even in Adversity." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Isac Goulart

​"And Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.  And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment. For she said within herself, “If I may but touch His garment, I shall be made whole.” But Jesus turned Himself about, and when He saw her He said, “Daughter be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.”  Matthew 9:19-22
 

There comes a time in everyone’s life when change is the optimum word; it is the only word worthy of reference in a life filled with regrets.  We know it the moment it occurs.  It is a pivotal moment in time where, the only thing you know for sure is that, everything in your life needs to change in order for you to feel as if your life is expressing God’s desire for wholeness. 

For some people, it will be the move from fame to obscurity.  For others, it will be from obscurity to fame. There will be those among you who will scream—to the country!  And, there will be those who will balk at the idea of seeing yet another tree in their midst.  It doesn’t matter what it is; at some point we will need change to offset that numb feeling so many of us experience at various points in our lives. To be truthful, many times it begins at home, on the job, or in a relationship. There seems to be a spiritual catalyst that propels us forward to the point where our X and Y axis meet; it determines whether we continue going on a specific path to the future, or make a U-turn at the next crossroad ahead.  Either way, change is imminent. 

To be certain, the catalyst that determines your change will be different than the factor that determines change for the next person.  It can be radical change; the type that places you in direct opposition to the life you are currently experiencing. Or, it can be the kind of change that simplifies your life so that you can experience the beauty in and around you.  It’s as if we espy an epic glimpse into our own future, where after viewing it, we simply say “No! This is not the life I want!”

We can imagine that after living with an endless menstrual cycle for twelve years, the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9:19-22, was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.  For the women reading this, we have a unique insight into this issue; five days is already much too long, so imagine 12 years of non-stop bleeding.  As for the men, imagine how emotionally edgy women become during their five day cycle; now, imagine 12 years. This woman was ready for a change!   -And, we can imagine that the people who loved her, needed a change too!  But, stepping out on faith is no easy task; it takes perseverance and stamina.   And to be certain, in her story, the Bible indicates exactly what kind of perseverance and stamina we need. 
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At a time when women were considered non-citizens, she would have had to stay behind the men and boys pressing forward to see Jesus first.  And, in her effort to meet Jesus, we can imagine her in the crowd, waiting to see even a glimpse of Jesus while grappling with others within the multitude also needing to be healed. Like so many dreams, she is pushed aside, moved to the back, and shoved out of the way. -Yet change is nearby; close enough to see, but not close enough to touch. 

There is some historical reference modern-day readers must acknowledge.  Priests were not supposed to go near the sick, dying, or dead; it defiled their anointing. The elite rarely interacted with the poor, sickly, or diseased, unless it was a member of their family; and The Poor, -well ...they  had their own issues.  As part of the law, the chronically ill were to isolate themselves from the healthy. And, keeping sickly and diseased people isolated at a time when they needed others the most was easy; no one wanted them around.  So, we can imagine, it is with some trepidation that this woman ventures into the crowd to begin with; not wanting to touch anyone in the crowd lest she be ridiculed, but needing a radical change. 

In Luke 8:42, the Bible says, she spent all her money on others who could not heal her. With free help a touch away, all she had to do was release her fears and simply reach out to God to change her life. You know the rest of the story; her faith in Jesus to enact change in her life, radically changes her life, allowing her 12 year old dream of being healed to finally come true.  -What’s your story?  Will you allow your life to stay buried because of fear?  Will you allow fear to inhibit the plan God has for your life?  Or, will you embrace Jesus, the X-factor; and step out into wholeness with God as your guide?   L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 9:19-22, Luke 9:42-48
From: "There Comes A Time."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Hobopeeba

​"And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.”
Isaiah 8:15

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It is pretty easy to imagine something broken; broken things are everywhere. Some things break because they slip or fall; some things break from being mishandled or abused; while others break because they have an inherent flaw. Then there are things that break simply because of a separation. Others break from strain, disturbance, shock, or a fatal blow. The human mind, body, and spirit is no different. We can break for all the same reasons.

Recently, I viewed several artifacts that were created using an ancient Japanese method called Kintsugi. It is the skill of repairing broken pieces. Ordinarily, most restorers of broken things attempt to camouflage any new repairs, so that onlookers cannot see any evidence of the break. Yet, in Kintsugi, artisans mend broken pieces by inserting 14k gold powder to restore missing sections, often enhancing the value of the artifact. When the repair is complete, the broken item is not only more valuable than it was prior to its break, it is considered even more beautiful.

Looking at all the Kintsugi artifacts reminded me of how most Believers come to God. We come searching​ for someone with the ability to fully restore our broken pieces; we come to Him, cracked, chipped, misused, abused, injured, wounded, fractured; or, completely broken, trying to find –The Ultimate Repairer of our breach.

As the Ultimate Kintsugi Master, God takes all our broken pieces; even the ones that cannot be found by anyone else, and with the solid gold bonding of His Love, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness; He mends our tears, covers our flaws, and repairs our broken fragments; so that, when others see us, they no longer see the cracks, chips, ruptures, or breaks; they can only see that we are much more beautiful than we were before.

Like a precious Kintsugi artifact, you will transform after your repair; you will take on a much more organic beauty.
–Beauty that embraces the many imperfections found when opening your heart and living real life. –A life, where you embrace a deeper understanding that, humanity is inherently broken; perfection belongs only to God.
​So, I learned a new word to describe our Creator, –Kintsugi; The Repairer of the broken. L.

Study Reference: Isaiah 8:15
From: “The Repairer of The Broken.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Billie Bond, sculptor
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​"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  
​Ephesians 6:12  

 
In an effort to love one another, we sometimes damage each other instead. So eventually, at some point, someone will  hurt you. Sometimes, it is unplanned but purposeful; and, sometimes it is completely accidental. Then there are times, when the pain is easily dismissed; and, there are other times when it is not, making forgiveness difficult. Whether or not we recover is the issue.  

Sometimes we can almost see  directly into the heart of the other person and because of their  humility, forgiveness comes easily.  And then, there are times when our love for the other person supersedes the pain we feel, and again, forgiveness comes easily. 

Yet, more prevalent are those times when fierce defiance compels us to plant our feet in the ground, requiring that we stand firmly in the cement of unforgiveness. I don't know about you, but for me, forgiveness is one of the most difficult aspects of being a Christian. Sometimes I believe I can forgive someone for the pain they have caused, yet, I find I cannot bring myself to even utter the simple phrase, "Good Morning."  

My good friend Elliott Lamour once said to me: 
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“You have to really understand Ephesians 6:12.  When you understand this, you will understand that sometimes you will say something, and the other person will actually hear something completely different, causing complete confusion, bitterness, resentment, and war. The more you understand this, the easier it will be to forgive someone.
​-Our struggle is not against people, it is against principalities.”  

These words are true indeed. So, with this in mind, let’s make a conscious effort to work on forgiving each other, especially those people we believe have purposefully damaged us. But, I can tell you from experience; it is much easier said, than done.  -But, do it anyway.  L.

Study Reference: Ephesians 6:10-13
From: "Damaged."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: istock  ​​

"Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, and said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and He heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and Thou heard my voice."    Jonah 2:1-2


As a child I loved the story of Jonah,  Unlike Job, and more like us, Jonah purposely decides to disobey God; and then, in continued stubbornness, he tries desperately to flee from the sight of Him.  The story begins with God asking Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh about their behavior, but Jonah believes Nineveh is wicked, and should perish. So, Jonah decides to go as far in the opposite direction as he can. Well, you know the rest of the story concerning the whale, so let's fast-forward.

Back in Nineveh, Jonah does such a great job convincing the 60,000 people of Nineveh to repent, that their king orders prayer, fasting, sacrifice, and worship to God. This includes every man, woman, child, and beasts of burden. God, in His infinite compassion, decides to have mercy and not destroy Nineveh. However, Jonah is thoroughly disgusted! —​This is the very reason he ran from God in the first place; he knew God would have mercy and save Nineveh!  Yet surprisingly, God allows Jonah to be angry; and, at the end of the story, He explains why He saved the city of Nineveh by asking Jonah, "Shall I destroy 60,000 people who cannot discern between their left and right hand?" (Jonah 3:11)

So, let's recap. Jonah, a die-hard Believer, hoping that an evil city and its people are destroyed, decides to disobey God by fleeing from His sight, just so he doesn't have to warn the populace to repent.  Sailors throw him into the ocean to die; but, God rescues him, keeping him in the gastric bypass of a whale for 3 days, until he can't take it anymore and prays his way out.  He finally does what God commanded him to do, and what happens to the evil people? Nothing!  —No death, no destruction, not even a little mayhem. The people are saved!  Sounds familiar? —It should.

If you are a Christian Pastor / Leader / Believer, and you purposely disobey God, you are going to be forgiven upon repentance; but, like Jonah, you are also going to pay for your disobedience. Don't bother to point to the ones who are constantly opposing God; the Bible says, they “…cannot discern between their left and right hand.”   So for now, they will have Divine Grace... But you—you will be in the belly of the whale praying your way out!  L.

Reference Study: Jonah 2:1-10, 3:11
From: "Praying Your Way Out." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: picture adventures 


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​  "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. Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips”   Psalm 141:1-3
 
 
Several months ago, I sent out a Daily where I wrote precisely how God hears our prayers, as found in the book of Revelation. Yet, there are still many readers who believe that they must recite a particular prayer when praying to God, instead of simply speaking to Him as Abba, Father, as Jesus did. While we are accustomed to uttering words when we pray; some Believers may believe that God hears or responds only to our words; however, words are irrelevant when speaking to God.  If this were not so, how would someone who cannot speak pray? Obviously, it does not matter if we cannot speak, mute Believers can still be easily heard by God. Our spoken words, although difficult sometimes, are primarily for us. The verse below is a reminder of exactly what the Bible says about how God receives our prayer.

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…”

The Bible says that an angel takes the prayers of God's people and burns it as incense that is waved before His Throne. The more emotionally difficult the prayer is for you, the more pungent the sweet aroma is to God. The truth is our prayer does not need words; because sometimes, the use of language just gets in the way of our personal pleas to our Heavenly Father. Just imagine for a moment how your prayer is received.  Your prayer, with its weeping and groaning, has its own sweet unique voice, with its own sweet aroma, that carries your name as it is waved before The Throne.

So remember, if you are in distress, at a loss for words, or just too broken to speak; God will receive your prayer. It does not matter if you are bawling and words can't get through; it does not matter if you are mute and have never spoken one word in your entire life, God hears every utterance, every groan, every fallen teardrop, and every broken heart. L.

Study Reference: Psalm 141:1-3, Revelation 8:3-4
From: “Aroma Before The Throne.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock
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​“…That ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore. And Joshua said unto the people; sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”  
Joshua 3:4-5

 
The idea behind learning new things is to maintain a given standard, while applying new techniques to update both our skills and our thinking.  It is the difference between rubbing two sticks together to create fire and lighting a match; or, between lighting a match, and clicking a lighter.  All three techniques will create fire, yet, each one is a more efficient tool than the last.

If we are unaware of or afraid to use more efficient tools, we will not be able to function more effectively and efficiently at the same task as someone else. And, we cannot use these tools to our advantage or to advance our heavenly directive. Others will be able to incorporate it into their daily routine, creating a new standard for all within their environment.  They will know, and you will not.  Of course, there are advantages to using the old tried and true methods of our fore-parents.  And, there are times when modern amenities offer a much more advantageous outcome.  In most instances, time is the deciding factor.  —​What does all this have to do with God?  

God created us to evolve; and evolve we have.  He has given us the decision to choose the latter things over the former, or vice versa. —Coupled with the option to remain stagnant or to move forward, He provided a promise that if we remain steadfast in each step of our journey, we will be prompted toward a more excellent way. 

When we read about the Children of Israel moving from the wilderness, through the Jordan River, and into the Promised land, they were clearly bombarded with the burden of learning new things. They had to release everything they had previously learned from their parents about living life in the wilderness, and accept the new directives from God, in order to live in the new land of promise.  The previous standards of their fore-parents had become irrelevant; they now had to adhere to a new directive —and, a new standard, if they were to survive. 

When we read the New Testament, the Sanhedrin represented the former things; the animal sacrifices, isolation of the priests from the people, and worst of all, putrid thinking. With the arrival of Jesus Christ came a more advanced directive —an evolution of thought; a new and more efficient way to God—a new breed of Judaism; a new religion called, Christianity.    

No more did we have to go through a priest to talk to God.  No more did we have to offer a blood sacrifice to atone for our sins.  The veil of the tabernacle that separated us from God was destroyed.   And a new, more efficient and excellent way, was created for us to access God directly. 

Some of us prefer the old ways, there's nostalgia in it. Our parents did it that way; our grandparents and great-grandparents did it that way.  Why should we change the process?    

There are many reasons, but consider this; we change the process to access more time.  More time to be with those we love.  More time to do the things we love.  More time to learn and create. And, most of all, more time to grow closer to God.   L. 

Study Reference: Joshua 3:4-5
From: "Learning New Things."   In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Joel Robison
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                                                        "…A man’s gift maketh room for him, and brings him before great men.”   
​      Proverbs 18:16
 

Some people still find it difficult to understand that, when God places a vision in you, He also places the gift to fulfill the vision. Sometimes, your gift is so apparent, everyone you interact with will clearly see your future potential. And sometimes, like William Kamkwamba, you will be the only person who can see it. 

William Kamkwamba was 14 years old when Malawi experienced, what the BBC reported as, “a famine emergency.” The drought was so severe that, in less than a year they reported that the “food shortages were killing Malawians,” and “70% of the population was starving to death.”  Like other Malawians, William’s family was relegated to eating one small meal of maize each day; because, the drought meant no water for the family, and no water, meant no crops; no crops, meant no money; and, no money, meant no school.

As the youngest of seven children and his parents’ only son, William believed he had a duty to save his family.  Although he was barely literate in English, his daily escape to the village’s tiny English library fostered his dream. It was there that he found books on physics and energy; and, where he began to study diagrams of windmills. He began to build a crude windmill out of discarded scrap metal he found at a local scrapyard. His windmill generated enough electricity to power a few light bulbs so he could study after dark. His parents really did not understand what he was doing, or why it was so important, until foreigners began forming lines on the family’s compound to charge their cell phones and other portable electronic devices. By the time the international reporters came, he had already built his second windmill —a water irrigation system that reused run-off water to irrigate the family’s farm. 

His book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, has been translated into 15 languages, spawning a children’s book with the same title. He received a scholarship to Dartmouth College in the U.S. where he graduated in 2014. And, he was awarded the PCI Humanitarian Award for his “visionary” role in changing the lives of rural Malawians.

William Kamkwamba was 14 years old when he allowed the Spirit of God to guide his natural gift for physics. It changed the trajectory of his life, and saved his family and village from starvation. Prior to this, he had never left his small village; he had never seen a computer, the Internet, or a real windmill.

The Bible says, without vision the people perish. In this case, those words were literal. —Starvation propelled William’s gift into full bloom. —​Must tragedy propel yours?   L.

Study Reference: Proverbs 18:16, Proverbs 29:18  
 From: "A Vision To The Future." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock


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

When we refer to being blessed, we usually mean that we have received an unexpected monetary windfall; or, that we have received something that we prayed or hoped for. Yet, when the Bible speaks of a blessing, it refers to innate joy, peace, and Divine favor. For most of us, it is especially apparent when those mountains or hills that ordinarily seem ominous in our lives, are somehow divinely removed for our benefit; or, when the things that were considered smaller obstacles, stimulate the winds of change that blow instead, in our favor.  Yet, in today’s verse there are specifics in respect to what it means to be Blessed.
 
So, take a look at today’s verse again. “For ye shall go out with joy:” This means that when we leave home, we leave with Joyfulness!  The kind of joy that is easily shared, seen, and apparent.  It means that we are not easily swayed from our Love for others, Faith in God, and an overall propensity to receive happiness.  But, it does not stop there.  The Bible says, “-And be led forth with peace:”  This means that our hearts and spirits are led forth with a banner of peace! The kind of peace that understands that, no matter what happens in this world, God is still in control.  He’s in control of the ups and downs of life, the trials and tribulations of this world, and all the inherent “drama” that happens in between.
 
And, when the verse says, “The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing:”  It means that all the obstacles and trials we face will break before us as we see their value in our life. As we learn their meaning to us
–their song, we will witness the unfolding value of their lessons 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.

**Now, it’s your turn to write down your own thoughts in your journal regarding today’s verse.
 
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

"Peter, seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, ‘If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? -Follow thou Me.”  
John 21:21-22

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On occasion we are reminded in the Bible to “mind our own business,” when it comes to what Jesus has asked others to do. Not only what He has asked, but also whom He has asked. For example, as Christians, we somehow believe we should all look the same, speak the same, act the same, even worship the same based on our own meager understanding of God’s Word, not fully understanding that there are unique roles assigned to all Christians based on upbringing, character, physical abilities, social status, dialect, and personality, just to name a few. There is a special correlation between you and those you will speak to concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your unique capabilities will be used to reach those where countless others have failed. 

In John 21:14-17, after dining with Jesus for the last time after the resurrection, Peter the Apostle is asked by Jesus three distinct times, “Lovest thou Me?” Peter replies, “Yea Lord, Knowest that I love Thee.”   Jesus states, “Feed My Sheep.”   It is a wonderful exchange of God’s directive to all Christians.  However, there is a verse I find even more compelling found in today's verse, John 21:21.  It appears as Jesus is speaking to Peter concerning what he  should do for the Kingdom of God. Peter, espying John, whom the Bible refers to as, “the disciple whom Jesus Loved,” instead asks Jesus, 
“What shall this man do?”   And Jesus replies, “If I will, that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?”

In other words, do not worry about how another serves God, concern yourself with the responsibility that God has given to you.

There are some who will walk the straight and narrow path to find God, and there are others who will, like the thief on the cross, find God in their very last breath. Let’s not forget, even in our scant human understanding of perfection; we have all fallen short of the Glory of God, and, it is on God’s Honor, by His Grace, and in His Mercy that each person is saved. L. 

Study Reference: John 21:14-24 
Excerpt from:"Minding Our Own Business." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Renjith Kumar

​"And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”   
​Exodus 17:11-12


There are times in your life when you will have to accept the help of others to accomplish a task God has asked of you. The story of Moses on the mountain raising his staff against the Amalekites to win the battle helps us to understand the acceptance of help from others when we need it.

As part of Moses’ covenant with God, he was to use his staff as a means of accomplishing various tasks for God. We have all seen the scene in the movie, The Ten Commandments, where his staff is used to devour the snakes of Pharaoh. Moses’ staff would prove God over and over again. Yet, in the first battle against the Amalekites, as Moses stands on the mountain with his staff raised high, his hands begin to tire; and, like any of us, he eventually has to drop his arms to his side out of fatigue. The problem is, every time he does so, the Amalekites begin winning the battle. Noticing the problem, Aaron and Hur, who were on the mountain with him, sit him down on a rock; and, with each man on either side of him,THEY hold up his hands for him and Joshua's army goes on to defeat the Amalekites. It is a great example of kinship, friendship, honor, respect, love and teamwork, used to win a battle.

Sometimes there are things we must do alone that God will ask of us for our own growth as individuals.  And, there are times when God will need for us to work with others because, working alone is simply not enough to accomplish the task. The Bible says, Moses’ “hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” 

Remember, true friendships are sacred; true friends will find a way to help, even if they have to use their hands to hold up your hands as part of the process.  L.

Study Reference: Exodus 17:11-15 
From: "Accepting Help." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bigstock

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.”     Psalm 37:3-5


The Children of Israel learned how to move with God. —But, let’s be real, they really did not have a choice. The presence of God was within their sight as a beautiful cloud, keeping them sheltered from the desert sun by day; and, as a pillar of fire by night, keeping them warm and toasty from the harsh desert wind. They moved when God moved. For them, moving was easily discernible; they could see God’s presence with their eyes. However, given only their faith to go on today, I wonder how they would react. 

Praying and waiting for God to tell you when to leave or not, you have to admit, can be a little frustrating. Suppose it’s a move to a job you need? Or perhaps, moving from an undesirable situation to what appears to be another undesirable situation? —Or, for that matter, staying put? And, this is when you actually have an opportunity to leisurely select between one decision or another. What happens when you feel desperate? What about when your bills are piling up, the cupboards are bare, and you can’t find the resources. -What then? 

The Children of Israel had an amazing visual every day and evening to keep them focused. You do not have God in your sight. -Or, do you?  We see God’s beauty in the earth every day. We have only to look around to see the marvelous works of His hands.  In addition to this, we have His Holy Word as our guide; and, our prayers as our conversations with Him. No matter how much we may lack patience, our Bible says to pray for what we need. So, whether it is an answer to a problem, or help in discerning between several options, like the Children of Israel, we always have God within our midst.  Most of all, remember what our Bible says in Psalm 37:3-5: 

​“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of your heart. Commit your ways unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.”
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Continue to trust, pray, and have faith. —​You will know precisely when He needs YOU to move.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 37:3-5   
From: "Moving With God." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Martin Schoeller of Ashrita Furman, Guinness World Record Holder

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep, for Thou Lord, only maketh me dwell in safety.”     Psalm 4:8


Let’s be honest. –Not everyone goes to sleep in peace and safety, even within the body of Christ. There are some people among us who are caught in the ravages of all types of personal wars and prisons, both literal and psychological. We can be afraid of life, our mates or spouses, current circumstances, decisions we have made, or decisions to be made. We can even fear God at various times in our life.

Depending on how you were raised, praying at bedtime offered solace. Ordinarily, most Christians would never send their children to sleep without asking them to pray aloud for their own safety through the night. Yet, bedtime prayer is not only for children; it is also for adults.  And, although it may not be considered sexy to pray at bedtime, it allows you to relinquish your cares, problems and even people, to the only One who can give us peace. In fact, married couples should consider praying together at bedtime. It will aid the dismissal of any disputes or hurtful words uttered during the day, while putting into practice the biblical verse found in Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32:

"Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath; neither give place to the devil. Let all bitterness, wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you."  

Pray every morning upon rising, for the day ahead, and every night before bedtime, to release the day; it puts to rest all the issues of your life, giving you peace.  –And, it will cover every member of your household, including You.  L. 

Study Reference: Psalm 4:8
Your Thoughts: “Peace At Bedtime.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: Sarah Treanor
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