“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 15:22


We try to obey God by acting as Christ-like as we dare, by reading our Bible and by controlling ourselves as humanly possible. But, if we are honest, we really are no different than the Children of Israel were with Moses. 

Every time I see the movie, The Ten Commandments, I think to myself, Pharaoh was a fool!   If I were king, I would have listened! Then I think about the Children of Israel, and think to myself, they just did not get it; didn't they remember the plagues, the promises, or the parting of the Red Sea?  How could they forget the manna and hordes of quail falling from the sky? It was as if the memories of their victories were erased.  Somehow, they forgot all those times when God miraculously brought them through their trials and tribulations. 

Then I think about all the many predicaments God has brought me through. My own personal parting of the Red Sea, where He made “a way, out of no way;” and where obeying would have played a major factor, had I done so. For most of us, obedience has a cost.  Sometimes it cost love, sometimes instant gratification, sometimes friends. 

When we see depictions of Satan, the master of Sin, he is grotesque with horns; however, we know this image is not biblical. The truth is, Sin on the facade is alluring, sexy, enticing, and many times can appear beautiful, at least at the onset. However, we know that no matter how good it can be in the beginning, the consequences will have a lingering effect on our lives. Whatever the cost, obedience to God will eventually bring you ultimate joy!
Yes, it sounds like a cliché; but, it is true nonetheless. L.

Study Reference: 1 Samuel 15:22, Ezekiel 28:13-15
From: "The "O" Word." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

​"...And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas; and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house. And they spoke unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”     Acts 16:27-33
 

The news reported two separate incidents of total despair that occurred in the same week. I do not have all the details, just the results. Two men, after losing their jobs and in total despair, went home and took the lives of their children, their spouses, and then themselves.  These men killed their families over the loss of a job! 

Somehow they could not see a brighter future for their families or themselves.  Do you think there were Christian men or women around either of them?  Men or women who believed in the strength of God?  Chances are there were Christians around them, who, concerned about themselves, ignored their distress; Christians who did not understand why it was important to share their faith in God.

Remember, YOU may be the one who will transform someone from performing such an inane act of desperation and despair into an act of faith.  I know sometimes we don't feel like it, sometimes we are going through our own level of distress; but, think of it this way, you with your faith firmly anchored in Jesus would have saved two entire families from death by the hands of their fathers. 

In today's verse, Paul and Silas are imprisoned; and, although the Spirit of God rattles the entire prison, releasing their shackles and opening the prison doors, they do not run.  The prison guard, awakened from the noise, and seeing the prison doors opened, assumes that his two most important prisoners have fled.  Yet, when he reaches for his sword to take his own life in despair, he hears Paul's voice reassuring him that they are all indeed still there. The guard is so stunned that his prisoners did not flee, that he wants to know more about Jesus and to be baptized. By the time they finish ministering to him, in repentance he releases them, takes them to his own house, and bandages their wounds. While there, his two former prisoners minister and baptizes his entire household.
 
There are times when we must dismiss our own trials and tribulations to address the needs of others, understanding that, as we take care of others, God will take care of us.  Remember, the reason you are learning the lessons of Jesus is not to simply say that you are a Christian, it is to share your faith and be a Christian.   L. 

Study Reference:  Acts 16:20-40
​From: "To Be, or Not To Be." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

"But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought; but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him."     2 Kings 5:20

 
There are times when, through the urging of God, you will be a blessing to someone else, taking nothing in return for bestowing your talent or gift. With the understanding that, in the act of giving your gift, you have already received a greater gift.   

When the Prophet Elisha healed Naaman, Naaman wanted to repay him for using his prophetic gift of healing. Elisha refused his gifts; but, his servant, Gehazi, coveted the gifts for himself, and devised a lie to deceive Naaman into giving him the gifts intended for Elisha.  When he received the gifts through deception, he had no choice but to hide them from the prophet, not understanding that God had already revealed to Elisha his act of deceit and betrayal. By the time Gehazi returned, Elisha knew in spirit about the deception. And so, the gift of healing that was given to Naaman, removing his leprosy, was transferred by God, giving leprosy to Gehazi.  

We can imagine that Gehazi witnessed Elisha healing the poor on many occasions, refusing to accept their meager gifts, understanding that they could barely afford to offer the gifts they brought to him. Yet, this time, noticing the opulent gifts of Naaman, he was certain Elisha would accept at least some of the gifts. When Elisha did not accept the gifts, Gehazi seized the opportunity to sow what was really in his heart. —Coveting!
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Many people covet the blessings of others, not taking into consideration the trials and tribulations those blessed by God have actually endured. They simply do not understand that the blessings received by others is a direct result of their endurance; and, by coveting their blessing, you just may receive their curse to test your endurance —an endurance test not originally meant for you.  

Today, we are bombarded by the lifestyles of the rich and famous.  We follow celebrities and covet their lifestyles and life choices, not realizing that they have their own life burdens to deal with; such as, the lack of privacy, the pretentious love of others, a constant bombardment of deception and betrayal by those closest to them, and a slew of other woes.  Of course, not all celebrities are laden with these issues, but many are.
Set a course to endure those burdens set before you.  Do not covet those things that are for others.  Should you dream of a better life? —Of course! Those dreams were placed there by God for you to pursue.  Your blessings are for you and those whom you share them with.  However, do not try to take what does not belong to you; it will not bless your life.  —And unfortunately, like Gehazi, you just may find yourself with the curse, long before you ever receive the blessing.  L. 

Study Reference: 2 Kings 5:20
From: "A Common Curse." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: August & March

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“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”   Matthew 7:1-2

 
Christians are the most judgmental people on the earth! -I know, I'm one!  We speculate about the sins of others quite easily; in many instances, we can assess their sins upon meeting them, condemning them to Hades in about 3 minutes flat!  "Oh, she's a Hoochie!" "He's an alcoholic."  "Drug addict!" "She has 3 baby-daddies." "Gay!"  "Homeless!" "Broke!"  The list can go on and on, because it is so easy for us to forget that we are also sinners. 

You may say, "This has nothing to do with me;"and, it may be true. Our overt sins openly seen by all are very different than those manifested under the guise of secrecy. Nonetheless, the secret ones still exist!  And, although covert, they maintain some sort of power over us.  The truth is, every time we see someone who is under the grips of an overt sin, we should thank God for His Grace, and quietly say to ourselves, “There, but for the Grace of God, go I!”   

Our shame, on the other hand, is one of those characteristics that we take with us through life. 
If you believe that you have done something wrong, whether it is real or imagined, shame will be that proverbial demon with the pitch fork, prodding your memory of a long gone incident, back into the forefront of your mind.  It shapes your self-esteem, and often, your self-respect. It can strengthen you, if you are strong enough to dismiss it; or, destroy you, if you are weak enough to let it.  It will follow you if you are very young, and haunt you if you are old enough to know better.
In Jesus’ ministry, it was the thing that those who came forth for healing needed –the cleansing of shame. There was healing for the Woman with "the issue of blood," ashamed of her illness. There was advice for Nicodemus who was ashamed to fraternize with Jesus in the light of day. There was cleansing for Mary Magdalene who was ashamed of her prostitution; and, there was redemption for Zacchaeus who was ashamed of stealing. If you check the others, you’ll notice that shame is a resounding chord.

We have all suffered from shame at one time or another. Some of us still carry the scars of shame from some incident that occurred in childhood. Even now that most of us are mature adults, we realize that many of those things that brought us shame as children or young adults really did not warrant the attention we gave it. 

Have compassion. It is a Jesus principle that humanity still has a difficult time administering. In today’s culture it takes only a few minutes and the click of a mouse to destroy someone. –Literally and figuratively, sending out their personal shame to be continuously ridiculed worldwide.  ..Even if you are a Christian, life and love can be confusing at any age; and often, we don't think about any future consequences until it is way too late.

Our shame began with the Fall of Adam & Eve; and, we have been trying to hide our shame since that day until now. However, as Christians, we accept the cleansing of shame from our lives when we fully understand and accept God’s complete encompassing Love for us.  –Isn't it time that we paid His Love forward to others? 

Study Reference: Matthew 7:1-5   
Excerpt from: "Passing Judgment & Ashamed ll.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Jin Young-Yu, sculptor 

**(Considering today's verse, I added Monica Lewinsky's very personal confession regarding falling in love with a U.S. President 18 years ago, to the Media page. Her confession offers a clear understanding of what it means to judge others, and how it feels to be ashamed. Let's not forget that in today's world every act, personal, illicit, or otherwise has the potential to go viral, destroying us within the blink of an eye. –The public is not as forgiving as Jesus! )

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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.” Psalm 141:1-2 


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

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

Revelation 8:3-4 says, 

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

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

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

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

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​“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

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“I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now, my eye seeth Thee”  
Job 42:5


When I finally finished, In The Master’s Hands; I wanted to conclude with a thought that would summarize the entire process. I knew that there would be a few readers who would never really believe that every daily I wrote was written for me. It did not matter if the devotion appeared cynical, redemptive, lofty, or sad; every one was written with a lesson for me. What I learned was that the only way for you to gain the kind of biblical understanding that is not limited to pleasantries, is for you to do it yourself. –Study, study, study, -learn, learn, learn; then teach, and learn some more.

I had to really sit down and ask myself what the entire writing process was all about. How can the stories contained within the Bible speak to us in today’s culture?  Our lives are not about the little dilemmas or even major hardships that we go through, it is about the process. –The discoveries we uncover about ourselves as we go through our ordeals.  It doesn’t matter if they are extended bouts of elation, or basic life episodes we consider devastating. In the larger scheme of things they are all the same. It comes down to how we deal with it. It comes down to the impression it leaves on our lives, and whether it defines who we are or who we become. Will the results make us bitter, wicked, vengeful, disobedient, callous, envious, and atheistic; or, will it remind us how fleeting life is, elevating our spirits to offer gratitude, love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, empathy, and devoutness. Although I love the poetry of the biblical book of Job, the story of Job is not my favorite, yet, what I found is, as a Christian in today’s culture, our lives literally come down to the book of Job, chapter and verse. It does not matter what kind of problems Job went through; they were all devastating. Yet, the lesson for us is that, throughout the process of his trials he maintained his devotion to God, recognizing that no matter what occurred, no matter how devastating the event or how he felt day to day, his devotion to God never wavered. –God was still his strength.  

No matter how alone Job felt, and how much he questioned God, he knew God was always by his side. That’s what I learned. God is always there right by your side. So, don’t give up.  Like all the cyclical storms of the earth, your storm will pass. The question is, How will it leave you?  L.
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Reference Study: Job 42:5, Job 1:6-12
Excerpt from: "The Lesson Learned." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: ​Cardiff-Peter-Kennelly

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“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 isnot 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. 
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: 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, 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 ​

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens. …A time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to cast away.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 6 


How is it that we accept the changing seasons of the earth, and not the changing seasons of our lives? 

We spend so much time in reverie, not accepting our own transitions that we miss the beauty and depth of knowledge which occurs simply by going through the rites of passage that is our life. It is uncanny how so many of us waste time trying to recapture the simplicity of our youth without understanding that—that was then, this is now.  

If somehow you passed up your youth due to ignorance, intolerance, disobedience, or through the negligence of your parents; there really is no turning back. Your youth was spent in another type of knowledge, you learned how to not  take things for granted. Or, maybe your youth was spent within the ravages of war, confinement, molestation, or turmoil; then your youth taught you fear.  If on the other hand, you spent your youth as a child of innocence, frolicking and free; then, you have learned how special it is to relish the beauty of freedom. 

Each decade of our existence teaches us the uniquely special qualities of our life, forging new frontiers if we allow the wisdom of age to take control.  Reactions change, ideologies change, the world changes; even people change.  There are things you did as a youngster, teenager, or twenty-something that you would not be caught dead doing again.  And there are things you will do at thirty, forty, and fifty, that at 80 years old you’ll wonder if you had lost your mind. 

There is a tree outside my window that overhangs the sidewalk.  It has the most magnificent seasonal transitions.  Right before it finally goes dormant for the winter, the leaves turn a beautiful vibrant orange, then a rich deep burgundy.  I call it the flame tree, because, as part of its transition, both colors appear together right before the burgundy takes over and the leaves begin the process of falling off, marking the coming of winter. 

It is a perfect metaphor for the life of man.  Each transition offers its own beauty; its own reverence; its own time.  Embrace the beauty of your life; it and your age are luxuries that have been denied to many.  And, in this life, one thing is for certain; they will not come again.  L.  

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:1-6
From:"Transitions."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: istock

​“Turn you at My reproof; behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known My Words unto you.”
Proverbs 1:23


God can use anyone or anything for His purpose. 

He used a raven to feed a prophet. 
He used a donkey to speak to a disobedient seer. 
He used Moses, a stutterer, to speak to a king.
He used Samuel, a child, to speak to a priest.
He used Samson, a disobedient fornicator, to send a message 
to His enemies.
He used Rahab, a prostitute, to save two soldiers. 
He used a wayward woman at a well, to evangelize to an entire city. 
And, He used Paul, a murdering zealot, to write much of The New Testament.
God can use the disobedient, the lawless, the prisoner, the drunkard, the liar, the blind, the intellect, the religious, the ignorant, the hated, the politician, the lowly, the teacher, the student, an executive, or a king; for His purpose. 
He can even use YOU.

There's really nothing that can stop you from being used by the Love of God. –Except maybe, YOU. 
–Just a little something for you to consider the next time, -before you decide to say, “No.”  L.

Study Reference: Proverbs 1:22-23, 3:7, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
From: “Your Thoughts: Anyone or Anything.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: HB Mertz

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

​“...The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.”     Ecclesiastes 9:11


Recently, I read a quote that said, “Experience is the best teacher, but a hard grader. She gives the test first, the lesson later.”   It is a profound statement from Larry Dierker, a former Manager of the Houston Astros baseball team.  
​
Life experience is like having a road map with a secret shortcut. The only problem is, sometimes, God places a detour on the route without telling you! The detours are added so that we can learn that, no two events in our life are the same. The experiences of the past can indicate future outcomes; however, they are not the future. You can do all things the same way, yet have different results; because, people, events, circumstances, and, even you are not the same from day to day. 

Remember the story of The Tortoise and The Hare?  The hare knew he was faster, sleeker, and more adept at running a race against the tortoise.  He laughed at the very notion that a tortoise would have the audacity to challenge him to a race. After all, he was used to running from hawks, eagles, and other very adept predators. So, instead of training and developing his skills for the big race, he became a “slacker,” relaxing —taking his racing skills for granted. While he sat unfocused, procrastinating, and relying on his previous knowledge of racing, the slower, more focused, steady-paced tortoise walked; yes, w-a-l-k-e-d across the finish line. What a lesson for the hare! What an even bigger lesson for the tortoise!

As we can imagine, the tortoise was ridiculed by both the other animals and his peers. And, we can be sure he wanted to give up many times, knowing in his heart he could not possibly win a race against the hare. But, somehow he kept moving; faithfully, one step at a time, keeping his eyes on the finish line and not on the ridiculers perched on the sidelines.  By taking the risk and keeping the faith, he was able to fulfill his destiny, ambling across the finish line at his very own pace. 

Past experience is a good road map, it allows you to save time by building on the learned lessons of the past; but, don't forget that life is an evolutionary experience; like a beautiful origami pattern, God unfolds it as you go along. L.

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 9:10-12 
Excerpt from:"The Tortoise and The Hare." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Twipz Biswas

​“And when Zacharias saw Him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias; for thy prayer is heard...”       Luke 1:12-13 (a)
 

How do you respond when you realize that God has answered your prayer?   –Do you drop to your knees in prayer, submission, and worship?  –Do you dismiss it as a coincidence?  –Or, do you simply not even recognize its occurrence?   

Zacharias stood in questioning disbelief as the angel told him the specifics of his soon to be answered prayer for a son. Yet, this was the response to a prayer he and his wife had been waiting on for many years. So much so, that their bodies had aged out and their patience exhausted. Yet, when the response to his prayer finally came, God’s response was unrecognizable to him. Instead of jumping for joy, he questioned the angel Gabriel about its authenticity. And, because he questioned a personal message delivered by the archangel of God, he was stricken with the inability to speak for at least nine months.
 
Like Zacharias, there are times when God has responded to our prayers that we stand in disbelief, deciding that the occurrence must be coincidental or happenstance. Because, although we prayed for a desired outcome, many times we simply do not believe or recognize that there will be a bona fide response to our plea. We become the lone man in the ocean that is waiting on God for rescue, yet, refuses to take a passing canoe. Then God sends a yacht, and still he refuses to board, supposedly still waiting on Him. Finally, God sends an ocean liner, yet the man still refuses to board. When he dies, he asks God, “Why didn't You save me?” To which God responds, “I sent you three rescue boats, you dismissed them all.”
 
God’s paradigm is unlike ours; His response is often right in front of us. However, we must open our eyes to actually see it. We get so caught up in focusing on our problems, that we forget all the blessings that we have already received. Take the time to recognize your blessings as they appear; they may not come to you in the package that you originally expected. Today, let us remember to take the time to fully appreciate and offer gratitude for all the blessings we have in our lives.  Since, no matter how massive our problems may appear, we know that we are already blessed by God.  L.
 
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today’s verse.

Study Reference: Luke 1:12-20
From: “Your Thoughts: "Thy Prayer Is Heard.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo credit: squarespace