"O send out Thy Light and Thy Truth; let them lead me…”     Psalm 43:3 a


In today’s world truth has become relative; Republicans say one thing, Democrats say another.  Major corporations spin their humanitarian deeds one way, small businesses another. The news agencies promote one level of information, while the Internet fosters another. Two people see the same incident; and yet, we receive two completely incongruent stories.  Many of us will determine who we believe is offering the truth about a particular subject, basing our determination of truth on how relative it is to what we believe. Yet, in all honesty, integrity has waned not only in our nation but, around the world. This is not something new; it has always been like this. In today’s culture, with an earthly population of more than seven billion people, it is simply more prevalent. It is a sign of the times. 

We now live in a disposable society where even truth becomes disposable based on which side of the coin you are on and how vulnerable you are to the story. Yet, we must remember that, our guidance system is not this person or that person; but, the Biblical Word of God.

We are reminded of this in Mark 10:17-18, where a seeker says to Jesus, “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  To which Jesus responds, “Why call Me good, there is none good but One; that is God.” 

Imagine, God walked with Adam and he did not tell the truth; He walked with Cain, same outcome plus murder. If you find a little 3 year old child and speak to them for about 10 minutes, chances are they are going to put an elaborate spin on the tale that they are telling you.  And, I dare say, even you and I placed under duress will conjure a good tale or two; it is the nature of being human.   When we listen to others, everything must be taken in context.
—​Everything!  
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As Christians, we position ourselves from a position of loftiness. We attempt to work the biblical concepts that we study into our lives so that we can live our best life; however, we are only human.  —And, it is precisely our humanity that will always mislead us. There are so many forces working against us in reference to the truth, if you really want to know God’s Truth about any matter important to you, you must always ask for His Light and Truth to lead you. Why?  Because, everything else is camouflage.  L.

**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today’s verse.
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Study Reference: Psalm 43:3 a, Mark 10:17-18
From: “Your Thoughts: Truth” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Sangar Maulana


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“Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and, in His law doth he meditate day and night.”     Psalm 1:1-2

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When I began writing, In The Master's Hands, I really wanted each reader to become part of the process of truly developing their own personal level of spiritual maturity, regarding the Bible; however, not in relation to a specific dogma or doctrine. So, for two days each week, I selected a specific text where you could write your own thoughts regarding the preselected verse. It was done to aid you in recording and understanding, on a more personal level, how you felt each week, in relation to the Hand of God working in the daily occurrences of your life. It would also allow you to record a snippet of your spiritual journey, somewhat like a personal journal; so hopefully, during the following year when you re-read it, you would be spiritually encouraged by your very own words. 

For instance, let’s try it with today's verse, Psalm 1:1-2: 

When we read today’s verse, it reminds us to dismiss the advice given to us from ungodly sources. This means that as Christians, we do not take our life cues from Horoscopes, Voodoo, Spiritualism, Santeria, Mediums, Soothsayers, or Witch-doctors. It means that we study the Word of God so intently, that like Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:3-14, we hear God’s Voice above all else when He calls. It means that we take a stand on God’s righteousness, allowing all other voices to fall by the wayside for dismissal. It means that, God leads us, and nothing in our life is placed above His standards. And, most of all, it means that we study the Word of God so that when we are presented with those things that are ungodly, we will easily recognize them whether they are uncloaked in broad daylight, or camouflaged under the shadow of night. In addition to this, God reminds you, the reader, that you are blessed for abiding in His Word, following His standards, and devoting your personal prayer time to hearing His Voice daily.  L.

**Now, it is your turn to write your thoughts concerning today’s verse.

Study Reference: Psalm 1:1-2 
From: "Your Thoughts: Hearing." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: fotolia ​

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"...But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD; for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”    Jeremiah 31:32-34

 

There is a reason that Jesus says, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there Am I in the midst of them."  (Matthew 18:20)  It is the praying people of God who form a church; and, it is people who invoke God's presence with their prayers, supplications, and submittal to God's will.  We have all seen empty boarded up churches in complete disarray across our nation; God is not  sitting in those churches waiting for people to show up. We have also seen storefront churches with only 20 people praising and worshiping, no matter what some of us may think about their choice of venue, God is  in the midst of them.  It is the people who invoke the presence of God. 

Of course, the problem in the church is also the people.  We bring our egos, issues, past experiences, pretense, and fear with us when we gather together. Sometimes not completely understanding that those are the very things we need to leave at the door of the church before we enter.  Our church is supposed to be a refuge, a place where we gather to invoke God's presence.  Not because we cannot invoke God's presence in the park, or in our homes, or in our closet, but because, we have set aside a specific place to invoke reverence, worship, praise, and hope.  It is also a place where non-Believers, because of the presence of Believers, can feel, see, and /or hear the presence of God; not because of the place, but because of the people. 

 ...Architects will tell you if a building is boarded up, the building will decay much faster than if people were in it using its doors, floors, and walls. Even in decay, with people in it, it will last longer. There is something very special about the presence of God’s people. God has hidden a secret treasure map deep within the recess of our hearts for us to find Him. Let us gather together, because together we invoke His ultimate power in unity to combat evil.  However, even then, understand that you in your solitude, through Jesus Christ, have a direct conduit to God.   L.  

Study Reference: Jeremiah 31:32-34
From: "Within YOU."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: mountaintop

"And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them.  But their eyes were held that they should not know Him.” “…and it came to pass as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it and brake, and gave to them.  And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight.”      Luke 24:15-16, 30-31


There are times when I wonder if Jesus appeared to us today, communing as a stranger, whether we would know Him? In Hebrews 13:2, the Bible says, we "…entertain angels unaware.”  What if Jesus stood in our midst listening to our conversation regarding our faith as we go through our trials and tribulations?  How would He perceive your faith and knowledge of His teachings?   

In the verse above, found in Luke 24, Cleopas and a fellow Believer are sadly walking home together on the third day following the crucifixion of Jesus; when amazingly, they are approached by Jesus querying the saddened state of their conversation.  Astonished that Jesus is unaware of the occurrences of the last three days; Cleopas explains that, their solemn demeanor is the result of the events concerning Jesus’ life and subsequent crucifixion. Transfixed by the Spirit of God, they are unaware that they are speaking directly to the very person they are speaking about. Yet, they did not recognize Him!  Their lack of faith and disillusion inhibited their recognition of Jesus  even as He stood right in their midst. Now, really consider this for a moment, and tell the truth. What if Jesus was standing around listening to your conversation? —What would He hear? 

Jesus eventually rebukes their lack of faith, teaching them about the Biblical prophesies foretelling His life, crucifixion, and subsequent resurrection. When they finally reach their destination, Cleopas and his friend insist that Jesus dine with them; he accepts, eventually offering communion.  Immediately after they take communion, and become one with the Father, their eyes are opened and —Jesus vanishes.  

We realize that after their eyes were opened, Jesus did not need to linger with them any longer; their faith was restored.  In accepting the invitation to commune with them, Jesus gave the two men immediate replenishment and the strength to persevere. So much so that, they were able to walk the 7.5 miles back to Jerusalem—completely transformed and jubilant! 

Here's what I learned from this story:

• First, be aware of your conversation when things appear bleak and your faith is lacking.  Your own words can create depression. Understand that by focusing on Jesus, your strength, faith, and understanding will be renewed so you can see what you really need to see—Him. 
• Second, the minute your perception changes, the condition of the problem also changes! A change in perspective enables you to proactively return to the source of the problem to face it head-on. 
• And finally, in the story, Jesus found his weary Believers and strengthened them. Like the parable of the Lost Sheep, He found them!  He found them in their weariness and weakened state; and, when they invited Him into their lives, He renewed their focus and strengthened their resolve! 

Like Cleopas and his friend, when you take the time to reconnect with God, He will provide exactly what your Spirit needs.  He will renew your strength and perspective so you can persevere through any issue with victory!   L. 

Study Reference: Luke 24:1-53
From: "Would You Know Him?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: isaac davis, unsplash

 "Wherewith shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil?  Shall I give my first-born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  He hath shown thee O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”      Micah 6:6-8
 

Why do you believe in God?  What prompts you to offer yourself to an omnipotent entity who is morally beyond your thinking and seeing? 

Years ago, a friend of my mother, a newly baptized Christian, was subjected to the atheistic ranting of her young teenage daughter.  The mother, emotionally committed to Christianity, was unable to respond to her daughter’s ranting satisfactorily. Stressed from her daughter’s questions, she called my Mother to get some much needed ammunition. Lightly minding my own business, I overheard the topic of their conversation, and was intrigued by the verbal tennis match going back and forth between my Mother, her friend, and the daughter. Between both women, they tried to coax the teenager into submission, using the Bible as a reference.  However, the young girl, a typical teenager, was quite stubborn, and savvy enough to offer a few convincing retorts of her own. 

“Explain to her the story of Creation.” I heard my Mother say. “Tell her to read the Book of John in the New Testament, she will understand once she has finished.”  Then she said finally, “-She just has to believe.” 

The problem with using the Bible as a reference is, if the person has already decided not to believe, what they read will be irrelevant.  As Christians, we believe that the Holy Spirit guides and convicts us to a depth of understanding that far surpasses our intellectual understanding.  So, if their conviction is already squarely positioned on the side of unbelief, many times reading the Bible will not convince them. Reading is for those of us who have already chosen to believe in the Power of God.

By the time my Mother hung up the telephone, she was exasperated. “That was interesting.” I said; a little curious about the final outcome. “How did it end?”  I asked. “Did she get it, or not?”  “--No,” My Mother said, “She told her mother that she will not believe in something she cannot see; it doesn’t matter what she reads.”

My Mother seemed a little annoyed, feeling as if she had let her friend down by not being able to reach her daughter.  I thought about the last statement the teenager said to her mother, “I will not believe in something I cannot see.”  And considered the many times I have heard other people say the same thing.  I said to my Mother, “Call her mother back, and tell her to ask her daughter if she can see air?  Assuming she believes that air exists. Can she see air?  But, more importantly, tell her daughter, even though she cannot see air, she will instinctively know when air is present in a room, and she certainly will know when it is not.”  Her mother told her what I said, and I never heard that discussion again.  

Intellectually, as humans, we are the smartest we have ever been in the history of the world.  We can control sunlight to our advantage using solar energy.  We have created technology far beyond our wildest collective imagination; and, we now understand that our solar system consists of a universe far beyond anything that we ever imagined.  Yet, we are still having the same old debate about the existence of God.  It is true; human beings have done many wicked things to other human beings in the name of God. But even more wicked things have been done to others under the guise of no belief in God. 

The idea of an omnipotent God allows us to challenge ourselves to achieve a higher ideal.  It forces us to examine our lives based on a standard far beyond our basic level of intellect and selfishness.  As sincere Christians, we will ultimately delve into a deeper level of consciousness, propelling us into utilizing God’s ideal of what we should be; and, praise God, not what we are.  L.

Study Reference: Micah 6:6-8, John 1:1-5, 3:16
From: "The Highest Ideal."   In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wallpapermania

"And he said, Hearken ye, all... Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you,... fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them; for the LORD will be with you.”    2 Chronicles 20:15, 17


Sometimes, being a Christian is seen as a weakness —a lack of strength to fight back when someone is desperately trying to destroy you.  Somehow you think to yourself, "Why are they trying to destroy me? They can't know that I am a Christian, a beloved child of the Most High God!"   —Ah, but they can!  If you are particular about what you do, what you say, how you act, and whom you select as friends, they know. If your spirit emits love and compassion to others when it is least expected; then, they are watching you when you least expect it!  And, if by profession of faith, you have chosen to follow the principles of Jesus when no one is looking, then they  will continue to watch you when you are not looking.  

"It is not my battle, but the Lord's;"  should be your personal mantra when you feel under siege by others in your surroundings.  Then, you should nonchalantly move on, offering up your battle to the Lord. Do not buckle, do not waver!  Bravely wave your banner high!

So, when you feel totally persecuted, go about your merry business and conduct yourself with the valor and integrity that belongs to a child of the Most High God. Remember, it is their job to watch you, to catch your mistakes and missteps —to take you off your game!  It is your responsibility to allow God to prove He is good all the time! Do what you are supposed to do.  STAND firm in your integrity and honor God in all you do.  Let them do what they do.
—Eventually, they will find out that, "Their arms are too short to box with God!" —Hallelujah!  L.

Study Reference: 2 Chronicles 20:15-25 
From: "Arms Too Short to Box With God!"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
*Original Title, James Weldon Johnson
photo: Arches National Park, Utah, pinterest

"Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.”    1 Corinthians 7:23-24


Imagine being at the tribunal that would eventually lead to the fulfillment of Jesus' death at Calvary.  Although Jesus responded only a few times, He truly had the opportunity and strength to defend Himself against the accounts of the Sanhedrin. Instead, He accepted their accusations without a fight, understanding that His sacrifice would ultimately save the human race. 

Eventually, as a Christian, you will have to make a sacrifice that will benefit others without an apparent benefit to yourself; you may have even done so already. However, there’s one small caveat. Unlike Jesus, your sacrifice may lead you to some type of resentment against your fellow Christians, or even, the church itself. You may even believe you did not receive your price for the sacrifice, i.e. recognition, position, accolades, fanfare, love, etc. 

It is so easy for the human ego to get caught up in the pomp and circumstance of Christian churches, where we eagerly desire to become part of the hierarchy.  Resist the urge.  Somehow, desperately keep in mind that any sacrifice you make is not for you; and, it’s not really for others; it is for God. We can never repay the sacrifice of Jesus. Our worship is not enough, our praise is not enough, and what we believe to be our sacrifice is not enough. Our life and love is the only thing we can offer; it is the only thing that counts. 

To really understand our sacrifice fully, think about this; has a child you loved ever given you a homemade gift?  Do you remember your reaction? Did you display it with pride and satisfaction?  Now, could that gift really equal any of the gifts you have given to that child?  -No.   Your love sees the sacrifice, time, and love that the child has put into the gift.  Our gifts, sacrifices, worship, and praise is like that to God. Know that God loves you already, and anything you bring to Him is accepted with love. So beloved, do not wait for your sacrifice to garner recognition, position, accolades, fanfare, love, etc. from others; know that you already have it from God. -L.

Study Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 
From: "Sacrificial Deeds." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

"Now to Him that is of Power to establish you according to His gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made  known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”  Romans 16:25-26


“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of [God’s] Vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”  This statement was written by the late Poet Audre Lorde; I took the liberty of replacing her word “my,” with the word “God”.  We have to assume when Ms. Lorde wrote this statement she was referring to her own vision for her life.  However, the word "powerful" seems more profound and fortified with God in the text. 

When we are given the power to step out of the ordinary to embrace the higher aspects of ourselves, we can opt to be fearful, or dare to embrace the possibilities of life and run with it.  Throughout the Bible there are examples of those who chose to embrace God’s power in their lives, simply to find enough trouble to fulfill multiple chapters and verses. Yet endure they did, embracing the process and fulfilling their purpose.  God never said it would be easy, He said, “My Grace/strength is sufficient unto thee.”   2 Corinthians 12:9

There are some aspirations you will have that, unbeknownst to you, are divinely inspired; times when you simply are not certain how you came to want a particular thing for your life, yet somehow the dream lives and burns in the depths of your soul, waiting to be fed, nurtured, and birthed in the reality of your existence.  Do you dare to fulfill its calling, or do you simply fear its strength, cower into yourself, and vanish?  

There will come a time when you are summoned to use your strength in the service of God’s vision, and you will have to decide whether you have one or the other; overwhelming fear immobilizing God’s vision for your life, or enough over-powering faith to conquer your fears and put the vision in motion.  L.  

Study Reference: Romans 16:25-26 
From:"Power to Endure."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: Olympian

"…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 “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. The drought meant no water for the family, 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 library fostered his dream. There he found books on physics and energy and began to study diagrams of windmills. He began to build a crude windmill out of discarded scrap metal. The windmill generated enough electricity to power a few light bulbs to study after dark. His parents really did not understand what he was doing, or why it was 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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“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.”  
Psalm 30:11


There’s a Christian song in which the lyrics state,"You turned my mourning to dancing, You turned my sorrow to joy, You gave me beauty for ashes, you came and made my heart sing."   

Yet, we are still taken by surprise by all types of issues that plague us for one reason or another; and, we meet people every day who are in various state of sadness. Who can be happy all the time?

Being a Christian is not necessarily about happiness, it is about innate Joy. Happiness is normally based on something or someone; it fluctuates based on the time, place, and state of mind that you are in.  Joy, on the other hand, is a state of being. It is understanding that God's Love for you supersedes the fluctuations of your day to day emotions, routines, or dilemmas.  -You can have true Joy and still be saddened by the current state of events surrounding your life or daily routine.  When the Bible speaks of Joy, it is really referring to a state of being. -A radical sense of inner peace that governs our understanding of every event, good or bad, happy or sad.

As Believers, we learn to live in the moment, but, hope in the future. The current events in our lives do not shape us. We hold fast to the Ultimate Power of God. It shapes our reaction to each event with the confidence of understanding that, good or bad, happy or sad, God is still  in control. -And, ultimately,  that thing that is harassing  you, "This too, shall pass.”  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 30:11, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
From: "Your Thoughts: Joy!."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: Design Dautore

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?  And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noonday. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.”   Isaiah 58:6, 10-11


I spent a few weeks consulting on the Psych floor of a large city hospital, aiding the staff in learning a new software program. The truth is, I had not planned to work on that particular unit; I worked on a similar floor once before and did not like the lock-down protocol of the unit. However, as I sat in on their Monday morning staff meeting listening to the clinicians recap the unit’s current patient roster, I thought to myself, “...this is truly a ministry.”   The people who work on this unit have to be spiritually grounded, if not, they would be drawn into the myriad of psychosis ailing their patients.  All of the failed suicide attempts, deep depression, and mental anguish of past and present demons
—both literal and figurative, would leave them so distraught and depressed each day, they would need their own services. 

We have no idea how many people are mentally ailing, and are barely holding it together by a string. We ride mass transportation listening to our favorite music on our headphones, our faces buried in our cellphones oblivious to the people around us and what they may be going through, or what demons they may be battling.  Furthermore, you may be thinking, “I can tell; I can see it on their faces.”  Okay; those are the ones you can see.  I am referring to the ones who are not so easily discernible.  The ones who sat right next to you on the train today, or those having lunch at McDonald’s at the table next to you. Those unseen, unheard, nameless faces who have decided that today will be their last train ride or last meal. —Or, worse yet, yours.

A few years ago, two fashion marketing executives, leaders in the marketplace for more than two decades, planned their suicides. It included, among other things, a last meal at their favorite restaurant in San Francisco. After which, they quietly sipped their poisoned drinks at home, completing their suicide pact. 

You really have to pray for the people around you.  You never know when, where, or why God prompts you to do this.  You may be the only person praying for them today; and, your prayer may be the one necessary act needed to restore their soul’s redemption from an act of suicide.  If the spirit moves you to pray for someone, just do it.  It does not have to be grand, long, or even audible; it will be your intercession on their behalf; and, it may just save them from themselves.   L.  

In the TED talk link below, Kevin Briggs and JD Schramm speak candidly about their own personal experiences, you can watch their personal stories on our Media page.

Study Reference: Isaiah 58:6-11
From: "Suicide Watch-It's Closer Than You Think." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: HDR photography

*(I'm not certain who the person is that needs this today, but please, get help. God loves you more than you can ever imagine! -Accept His Love & Choose Life!) Many people are often depressed during the holidays so, this act is much more prevalent during this time of year, even in the life of Believers. Today, Let's send this to everyone; let's try to stop someone from taking their life! Statistics say that every 3 minutes on Facebook someone is contemplating suicide. So, just share it; it really is closer than you think. 

In the U.S. call the: 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 
This is a free, 24-hour Hotline service available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you prefer to be online, or you are outside the U.S., you can talk with someone directly on the website listed below.                   www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
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"...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required, and to whom men have committed much, of him they shall ask more.”   Luke 12:48


Have you ever wondered what God has planned for your life?  Have you ever felt the arms of greatness calling out to you, but you felt afraid and unworthy to accept the call?  Each person has the ability and opportunity to fulfill their own level of greatness. The problem, most of the time, is fear; fear triggers a sense of unworthiness, the sense of unworthiness triggers doubt, and doubt murders our ability to hone the skills necessary to achieve the level of greatness God has planned for us.  

The human aspect of choice is still our gift from God. He created a plan for our life, just as He created a perfect plan for Adam's life; and yet, we still have the option to follow and fulfill either His plan to greatness, or our own. In reference to His path, this is not referring to notoriety in the eyes of men; but, greatness in the eyes of God. Sometimes, the two paths will intersect; but, most of the time, they will be in direct conflict with each other. So, you will have to be careful, watchful, and prayerful in the direction you select.  Sometimes one will be a direct result of the other. However, because of our ego, it is easy to become confused; so again, you will have to be prayerful regarding the options and opportunities set before you.  The path you select may lead you to the kind of change that allows your spirit to brightly shine in ways that supersede anything that you have ever done before.  Yet, in order to experience this level of greatness, you will  have to step out on Faith. You will have to finally make the decision to trust that, if God saw fit to place the desire in your heart,  He will also provide the opportunity.  

There’s something supernaturally Divine in asking for the opportunity and guidance to fulfill God’s greatness for your life; after all, it is part of His ultimate design.  Just remember to be careful what you ask for; because, the Bible clearly states, "to whom much is given, much will be required."  L.

Study Reference: Luke 12:47-48 
From: "The Path to Greatness." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Getty Images

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shall thou be with Me in paradise.”    
Luke 23:42-43
 

I went to a funeral yesterday for a man who lived his life as a catalyst for others.  A friend of my family since before my birth, this man was an integral part of the early memories I have of my parents.  An avid baseball player, I have fond memories of both he and my Dad in their baseball uniforms playing for a local team every week.  After their game, my Dad (the pitcher), his friends, and various members of the team would converge at our home to eat an afternoon dinner.  As you can imagine, the house became quite boisterous when they won a game.  He was a handsome man whom women were easily attracted to, even more so, because he was soft-spoken, kind, and very generous.  It is because of his generosity, kindness, and overall propensity to help almost anyone who needed help, that I decided to write about him today. 

At the funeral, one of his adult nephews said, “I don’t know how to explain it, but for me, he was the closest thing to a real superhero!”  I understood.  He was one of those people who were always there when you needed them.  Now that I am an adult, I realize that it may not have been easy for him, you know, being “a superhero and all." —Always being there for all those outstretched hands; but, somehow he tried.  Although not much of a churchgoer, he spent his early childhood in a strict religious household that placed a large emphasis on door-to-door witnessing. And, toward the end of both their lives, he and my Dad would often pray together.  However, this is not the reason that I am writing about him. 

As I sat listening to the reverie of his family and friends, I thought about God’s Grace.  I thought about those people who fill the pews of a church, without generosity, without love, and without kindness towards others; the ones who adopt doctrines and dress codes with no leeway for human frailty.  Those who, although somber and reverent in the pews each week, secretly and maliciously seek the destruction of others on a continuous basis.  For many, their hearts and spirits are so broken, it is difficult for them to offer love, using only what's left of the small reconstructed pieces of themselves.  --Then, I think about this man.  A man who rarely attended a church, yet easily used his talents and gifts to help all those he could, to foster their talents and gifts.  He invested time and energy in others the way most of us breathe air, motivating them to fulfill their God-given potential.  More than five hundred people showed up to express their love and respect for this man’s life, and more waited outside while the service was in session.  There are not a lot of things I know for sure; yet, I personally understand God’s Grace.  —Maybe, you do too.

It is with the Grace of God that one of the thieves on the cross recalling his life of wretchedness cried out to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom!”  And, it is through the Grace of God that Jesus replied, “Verily I say unto thee, today shall thou be with Me in Paradise.”   None of us are perfect.  In our hearts we know our deeds, our failures, and our sins. —We can never make up for them.  Jesus confused many Christians with those words to the criminal who died at his side.  But, the truth is, we should all be so blessed.  Today, take the time to acknowledge God’s Grace in your  life.  Ask Him to continue to grant you His Grace every single day, as you go through this life.   L.

Study Reference: Luke 23:32-43, Revelation 22:21       
From: "The Superhero & God's Grace." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

 
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” 
Matthew 6:19-21

 
There is a quip concerning Bernard Madoff, the disgraced financier and ex-president of NASDAQ who scammed $50 billion from investors; the comedian said, "Why in the world would anyone trust someone with the name Made-Off!"  Of course, it is humorous now that we think of it; however, I bet it's not funny to the thousands of people who were affected by his avarice.  Let's be honest, there is no way one man could get away with scamming 50 billion US dollars without help. Although he did not give up the names of his co-conspirators, there had to be others.  It is impossible for one man to move that much money without the participation of others watching it happen. 

Nonetheless, here's the interesting thing that happened. Some of the investors who truly believed in the prospect of making a profit on their investment, yet lost everything instead said, after the initial shock of losing their life savings, they are now appreciating the simpler things in life. The love of their families, their spouse, having a job, trees, ...the air they breathe. The prospect of taking life for granted and living for a retirement nest egg evaporated with their money. Most of us have heard people in similar circumstances say the same thing after losing all their belongings in a fire, theft, or natural disaster. 

The issue is, the Bible speaks about this very thing in Matthew 6:19-21, “Lay up not for yourselves the treasures upon this earth….”   Take the time to really understand the verse.  It means you must take the time to enjoy the simpler things in life, tomorrow is not promised to you. Jesus said it best; Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.  Your life, God’s Love, your love for God, your heart's desire, those you love, those who love you, acts of kindness, compassion, and love for your fellowman, are simple things we make complicated. 

Love and be loved in return.  —It really is just that simple.  L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 6:19-21 
From: "The Simple Things." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: flickr

    “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.”     Psalm 5:1  
 

Our Words are powerful!  They have the power to give life or death to any given situation, just as they have the power to promote or destroy others.  In the same way that God spoke the world into existence with His Words; our world is also transformed by the words we speak daily.  And, not only do our words shape our perception of our circumstances; our circumstances can be completely transformed by the profession of our words. Remember, the power of your words; they have the power to shape your life and the lives of others.
 
Most people do not consider the lingering effects of their words. Some of us simply spew our words, because we can. However, be mindful that Adam named every living thing in the world, and each thing is still called by that name today. That’s how powerful your words are. And, this is just a small indication of the verbal power God gave Adam from the foundation of the world. This power was never rescinded, it is your legacy.
 
Often, your words justify your beliefs. This is why it is so difficult to profess what you do not believe. It is also the reason why brainwashing has to occur repetitively. It is in the repetition that we begin to believe what we actually say.  So, it is important for us to remember that our words are vital to the quality of our survival; it is the difference between simply eking out a living with deep sadness or living daily with innate joy. Your words have the power to change your environment!
 
Obviously, when the Bible says, God sent His Word, and His Word became Flesh, we understand that the Word is Jesus. So, if God created us in His own image wouldn't our words have the power to create also? When we really begin to understand how powerful our words are, we will understand the power God placed in us from the foundation of the world. 
 
Adam used the power of his words in his household –the earth.  What about your household? What words do you use within your daily environment?  Remember, if you curse at your children, your spouse, or your environment, you are placing a significant negative presence on your life. –A presence that lingers within your own psyche and home environment far into the future. If instead, you bless your children, spouse, and environment, it places a significantly positive presence on your life far into the future. Today’s verse says, “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.”  Your life is shaped by your own words; the ones you choose to utter daily are the ones you will receive.  –So, why not choose them wisely?  L.
 
**Now, it’s your turn to write down your own thoughts in your journal regarding today’s verse.

​Study Reference: Psalm 5:1, Psalm 23
From: "Your Thoughts: Our Words.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bigstock

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​"And Abraham was ninety years and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.”   Genesis 17:24


Have you ever thought it was too late for something miraculous to happen to you? Or, it was too late for an extraordinary transformation in your life? Maybe you believe you are too old to go back to school; or, too old to have the children you always wanted; or, too old to get married, or remarried. Maybe you are out of shape, and not as healthy as you may have liked. Maybe you always wanted to see the rest of the world, but you stayed confined to your own backyard. Maybe you wanted to write a book, a play, or a script; produce a show, play an instrument, start a new career, or just change your lifestyle. 

It could be that you think your time has passed; now you have a family, children, and a mortgage. Maybe you are that person who truly hates your job, your home, or your surroundings. Maybe you simply want a change. Where can you start? Well, if you are like the “father of many nations,” Abraham, you could start with faith. 
The Bible says, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God…"

Abram was seventy-five years old when God told him he was due for a lifestyle change. God asked him to leave his homeland and his kinsmen to venture into a completely new territory. Armed with only his trust in God, and accompanied by his wife Sarai and his nephew, Lot, he boldly ventured into the unknown... So,...
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...Don’t be afraid if God asks you to step out of your element. Don’t be ashamed of your age, gender, race, appearance, income, household, background, training, or anything else that can be used as an excuse. Know that whatsoever He has asked you to do will be to your life’s benefit. You will be covered, enriched, provided for, and protected. Simply remember, a heavenly covenant has already been established in your name. Take hold and have faith. L.
​

Study Reference: Genesis Chapters 12 through 17; Matthew 6:30-34
Excerpt from:"Never Too Late." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Denis Tabler -adobe stock

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


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

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

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

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

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

"And his servant came near, and spoke unto him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, would thou not have done it? How much rather then, when he saith to thee, “Wash and be clean?”  Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."     2 Kings 5:13-14 

 
There are times when we are certain our blessings will emerge from a source we recognize, ignoring those things or people sent in our path, by God, to redirect our focus.  Sometimes it can be a perfect stranger, a circumstance, or an event, which dramatically impacts a major decision.  Our task is to maintain such a strong connection to God that, when it shows up, it will be easily discernible from the other things or people in our lives.  

Today's verse, found in 2 Kings, is the fulfillment of a blessing from God through the Prophet Elisha.  Naaman was a beloved Captain of the Syrian Army whom, although beloved and revered by the King of Syria for his valor, was stricken with the disease leprosy.

It is interesting to note how Naaman learned of the Prophet Elisha's gift of healing others. The short version is, the Syrians battled with Israel, and as the victors, they kept those who were captured in battle as servants.  One of the captives, a young Hebrew girl, was given to Naaman's wife as a servant. One day the maiden told her mistress that she knew of a Prophet in Samaria who could heal Naaman of his leprosy. Hearing this from his wife, Naaman goes to the King of Syria for an introductory letter to the King of Samaria, requesting a meeting with the Prophet Elisha. When he arrives in Samaria, Naaman is instructed by Elisha to dip in the Jordan River seven times to heal himself, but like us, his arrogance and ego almost prevents him from receiving God's blessing. 

Although the healing was miraculous, today let's consider the circumstances that led to the healing—the truly miraculous part.  First, we have to assume that Naaman treated all the servants in his household quite well, since, the Hebrew servant girl felt inclined to offer help to her new captor.  Secondly, Naaman's own personal servant had no fear in recommending to his master that he follow Elisha's instructions precisely. And lastly, because of the sincere urgings of his personal servant, Naaman reconsiders his own arrogance and follows Elisha's instructions precisely, submerging himself into the Jordan River exactly seven times.  When he finally emerged after the seventh dip, he was completely healed. 

Today, we may or may not have servants; however, consider this. How do you treat those whom you consider      beneath you?  What about those employees on your job who are your subordinates?  What about those you consider less fashionable, less educated, younger, unattractive, or of a lower income group?  Had Naaman not respected or listened to the urgings offered by both his servants, he would not have experienced the healing prepared for him by God. 

How we treat those whom we command, or those who serve us, can be the difference between receiving a blessing or not.  So remember, the most wondrous thing about receiving a blessing from God is, we never know through whom the blessing will manifest.  We simply cannot predict who will be chosen to fulfill God's blessings in our life. Furthermore, we have no idea when, where, or how our blessings will take form.  It is thoroughly uncanny; it can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time.  We only need to be prepared for it by faith, and to accept it graciously and with gratitude when it occurs.  L.   

Study Reference: 2 Kings 5:13-14
From: "An Uncommon Blessing." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: creative digital

“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

"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