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

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

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

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

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

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

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   "Fear thou not; for I Am with thee: be not dismayed; for I Am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea,  I will uphold thee with the Right Hand of  My  Righteousness.”   Isaiah 41:10 

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Although we are the first to encourage others, occasionally, even Christians wonder if God listens to our  petitions. This is something we do not like to admit to non-Christians, and sometimes, not even to other Christians; yet, it is true.  We really don’t want anyone to know that God may or may not be speaking with us; or, even worse, we may or may not be listening to God.   It is not because our love is in question; it has more to do with our human frailty—our inquisitive nature.  The inquisitive nature that got us into trouble in the first place; those imposing, nagging questions that were created by sin to disrupt our armor of faith. 

We question our certainty that God will come through for us; we wonder whether He will come through in time, and we consume time querying what the outcome will be.  Because of our human frailty, we forget that in God’s economy, the outcome is simply a by-product of the process, even though the process is the part most of us would prefer to skip. 

In this era of our “faster is better” culture, it is difficult to wait for anything.  Yet the slowness of the process is precisely the part that builds our fortitude—it molds and strengthens our character closer to the character of Jesus.  The same goes for your individual circumstance.  Your circumstance is part of the journey, and the journey is part of the process. 

Wherever you are in your journey with God, embrace the process.  Do not bother to try to rush through it; you will only get out of it after you have learned the necessary lesson or lessons to move on.  Learn to strengthen your armor of faith, so like the many characters in the Bible, you get through the process armed with the lessons you have learned for the next leg of the journey. Remember, Jesus has not left you; He is simply leading the way and waiting for you.  L.   

Study Reference: Isaiah 41:10  
From: "Embracing The Process. (I)" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wordpress

   
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    "Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of; the length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.”    Genesis 6:14-16  


We train, practice, and perfect our individual skills, so on the day that we are given a job God needs for us to accomplish we are up to the task.  Imagine for a moment being Noah.  God informs Noah that he has to build an Ark. He neglects to tell Noah that it will take him 100 years to build a vessel he has never seen before—an ark; for a weather condition he has never experienced—rain; and for an event he has never witnessed—flooding!  All of course, to the ridicule of his ungodly neighbors who probably believed he was a little crazy. After all, they had never seen any of these things either!  Yet, Noah continued to listen and obey God’s instructions.  

I recently listened as a popular pastor grumbled about the behavior of a few members of his congregation, hurling one insult after another because he felt betrayed and under siege.  His anger stemmed from one or more of his members “squealing” to city inspectors about some illegal building practices he employed in order to rebuild their church. He felt betrayed by these members, and maybe rightly so.  Here's my dilemma. God spoke with Noah so closely that He gave Noah the architectural plans for building an ark. He gave the specific dimensions, the materials, and even told him who the passengers would be on the ark. Do you really believe that if God wants you—no, needs you, to do something extraordinary, that you will need to commandeer, finagle, wrangle, or break laws in order to get His task accomplished? 

Using any type of covert strategy is an act of fear, not an act of God. When we look at the life of Jesus, our prime example, He never committed a sin or a crime. He never finagled, wrangled, or commandeered to get His tasks accomplished. As our greatest Teacher, He did not spend God’s time berating his followers; He was too busy teaching the masses, training and developing their hearts to follow God.  God, our Father, who has all and commands all, who operates in Spirit and in Truth could not and would not condone any illegal activity in His own name, no matter what the cost. Only human doubt can tempt us to force an issue that should easily flow.  Today, know that if God has given you a task to complete, you will not have to use covert actions to get it accomplished, His Will, will be done.   L. 

Study Reference: Genesis 6:14-20
From: "Illegality for God?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock ​

   "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened
unto you”   1 Peter 4:12
 

Have you been trying to figure out why so many trials keep coming your way; fiery trials with tribulations so severe you wonder whether you and Job are kinsmen? You look around and see so many people prospering who are sworn enemies of God; people who have no reference of the Gospel; and, those who have consciously decided that, not only do they not believe in God, but that God does not exist. 

You go to work, and work harder than most, but somehow your job is the one in jeopardy. Your money is short every month, and your bills are high; your family is crazy or almost there; and your love life is on the lam or on the rocks.  Meanwhile, you are purposely keeping the faith, reading your Bible, and praying until your knees are black and blue. You wonder to yourself if you are doing something wrong. 

No one ever told you that when you became a Christian life was going to be so difficult.  Had you known, maybe you would have made a different decision. Those Christians you met early on were so happy for you when you decided to allow Jesus into your life, it never occurred to you to ask questions.  So, you were baptized and happily changed your lifestyle. Were they fooling you?  Now, it is just one thing after another; and, you feel like running away and not looking back. Before, it was easier to do your own thing without any remorse, without any anxieties about insulting God.  Sounds familiar?   

Imagine for a moment being one of the first Christians after the resurrection of Jesus. Not an Apostle, but a Believer who converted simply because he or she believed. Imagine their persistent determination under the constant threat of the Sanhedrin and other early persecutors. Consider their bravery in the face of daily persecution, opposition, and threats. Yet, they still believed.  At least today, no matter what you are going through, you have a powerful brotherhood/ sisterhood whom you can openly go to for replenishment in the face of adversity.  

Today’s verse refers to the fiery trials; the trials we go through to build our resolve. —Concentrated trials used to determine what kind of Christians we are going to be.  —The kind who runs at the first sign of trouble, or the one that stands up for righteousness for His name sake? —The kind who reverts to old habits or the one that holds fast to faith, understanding that Jesus will never forsake those who love Him?  

The fiery trials will come, it is up to you whether it destroys you or empowers you; propels you to cast your Bible down, or prompts you to hold your Bible high.  It is not easy being a Christian, but Beloved, it never was.  L.  

Study Reference: 1 Peter 4:12-14
​From: "Strange Occurrences." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

 
​"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”    
Matthew 5:23-24

 
Jesus gave two very specific commandments to His disciples when He was asked which of the commandments were the greatest.  His response was, “Love God with all your heart and all your soul. And, love your neighbor as yourself.”  Yet, in addition to this, He made a very specific point concerning forgiveness while He taught the masses how to pray.

It is a concept so radical, that most of us overlook it.  It simply states that, if we have not forgiven those whom we believe have hurt us in some way, then, before we honor God with our sacrificial gifts –whether monetary, spiritual, or otherwise; we must first make amends with those people whom we have not forgiven.  In other words, the cleansing of your spirit to remove unforgiveness is so important to God, that although your sacrifice may be extremely important to YOU, God says to keep your gift, sacrifice, fast, prayer, or whatever else you believe you should submit to please Him, at the foot of the altar. Jesus asks us to literally leave our gift in stasis, until we have taken care of our forgiveness problem.
 
Unforgiveness places a huge barrier between you, God, and the abundance He has already ordained for you from the beginning of time. The Bible says that God’s blessing is above all that we could ever ask or think. So, I don’t know about you; but, I want every last bit of abundance God has scheduled for my life.  I do not want to leave one gift unopened! I do not want the foolishness of a stubborn heart to get in the way of receiving any of the wonderful things He has already planned for my life. Especially since, that gift may just be the gift that I have been waiting on my entire life.  It may be just the thing that will release my spirit to completely fulfill my destiny in this world.

What about you? Will you allow the stubbornness of unforgiveness to permanently place a wedge between you and all the wonderful gifts God is eagerly waiting to dispense to you?   If not, then take care of that issue.  L.
 
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.

Study Reference:  Matthew 5:23-24
From: “Your Thoughts: Spiritual Roadblocks...” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Maroesjka Lavigne

​   "For Thou will Light my candle; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.”  Psalm 18:28


It is astounding how one small candle can easily permeate complete darkness, while radiantly revealing anything within the path of its rays. The Light not only sets you aglow, it highlights every item within the room. The closer any item is to the Light, the more radiant it appears. 

There is a wonderful story, from an anonymous author, that I received via email about a man who decided that he really did not want to return to church any longer. When the Pastor of his church stopped by for a visit, the man answered the door, greeted the Pastor, and invited him in. Both men sat in separate recliners, in front of a blazing fire in the man’s den, neither saying a word. Words were unnecessary; both men knew why the Pastor was there. 

As they were silently watching the fire, one of the hot coals fell out of the blazing fire onto the hearth surrounding the fireplace. Both men silently watched the single coal as it sat by itself on the ground, its blazing light getting dimmer and dimmer until it was close to black. The Pastor slowly got up from his chair, leaned down, picked up the coal, placed the coal back into the fire, and silently sat back down. Both men watched as the corners of the little coal slowly lit until it became blazing hot. After a few minutes of watching the transformation of the coal, the Pastor said, “It’s time I got going.” Both men arose and went to the door. 
“-So, I will see you on Sabbath?” The Pastor asked, turning to look at the man. His question posed more like a statement in a questioning tone than an actual question. “Oh yes, Pastor!”  The man answered jubilantly, “I will see you on Sabbath!” 

As we commune within the body of Christ, we share in the Light of God, radiating His essence within the body and unto the world. Each Believer is a tiny spark of God’s Light in this world. Yet, sparks have a way of fizzling out. So, we must maintain a concerted effort to strengthen our connection. The closer we are to the source of all Light, God, the more illuminating we will be to the world.  The question today is, “Are you sharing your Light; or, like the little coal, has your Light dimmed?”  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 18:28, Ephesians 5:13-14 
From: "Staying Lit." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: pixabay

 
 "And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them.  But their eyes were holden 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

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There are times when I wonder if Jesus appeared to us today, communing as a stranger, if 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 our 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. They did not recognize Him!  Their lack of faith and disillusion inhibited their recognition of Jesus standing 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 prophecies 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 that 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: istock

 

​"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” 
Proverbs 27:2


Have you ever overheard someone complimenting you without the knowledge that you were nearby or within earshot?  Do you remember how you felt? Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington tells a wonderful story of coming home one day, after auditioning for yet another acting job, just in time to overhear his wife and her friend talking about him. The conversation was so intense that neither of them heard when he entered the apartment. In the conversation, his wife Paulette, a former actress, tries to convince her friend of just how talented an actor her husband is; yet, the friend, not really listening, insists instead that he needs to give up his “dream” of becoming an actor "and find a "real" job."

So, after eavesdropping on the conversation and listening to his wife defend his dream, he quietly eased back through the front door and re-entered the apartment, this time, announcing himself. The women immediately changed the topic of their conversation. Paulette's faith in him restored his decision to push the dream even further. One week later he received his pivotal role in,  A Soldier's Play, at the renowned Negro Ensemble Company Theater. The play would later be made into the feature film, A Soldier's Story, launching what has become an Oscar-winning career.

Promoting yourself, boasting of your talents and gifts is truly irrelevant; for the most part, most people will not believe you anyway. Fame and notoriety are so fickle that, today people love you, and tomorrow they don't. We know this was true even in the life of Jesus Christ. Less than one week—only a few days before the Sanhedrin called out to have Jesus crucified, He had been exalted, hailed at the gates of Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna in the Highest.” 

It is more honest to stay true to whom you are, using your talent and gifts as if you were using them for God Himself, with the knowledge that God is never fickle; He does not waiver with the whims of the day. Use your talents and gifts without the desire for self-promotion, because the truth is, if you are excellent, using your talents exceedingly well, everyone will notice!  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 21:7-11 & Proverbs 27:2 
From:"To Thine Own Self Be True."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Aidan Photograffeuse

   

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


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

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

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

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

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

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD; and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the LORD upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and His seed is blessed.”
Psalm 37:23-26


The media tells us that we are in a recession, a continuous downward spiral depleting all of our financial resources. Nevertheless, included in this book on the first and last day of the year, is the blessing found in Deuteronomy 28:1-13. It was listed to remind every reader of God's blessings and promise to those who keep His statutes and walk in His righteousness. I printed it out for my personal circle of friends and asked them to place it where they could see it on a daily basis; you should do the same. It will be a reminder when everything around you is spiraling downward to keep your eyes on The Master and not a downward economy.

As in all times, some will prosper and some will not. Remember, the Bible says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet, I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.”  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 37:23-26, Deuteronomy 28:1-13
From: "Becoming Recession Proof." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.”       Jeremiah 29:11-13
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American writer, Henry David Thoreau, was born in 1817. He wrote in an era when the male majority literally had all the privileges of a new independence. Yet, he is credited with the quote: “Most men [and women] lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Thoreau wrote this statement contemplating his own personal understanding of quiet desperation and that of mankind.

At some point in our lives, we all suffer from secretly living in quiet desperation. For most of us, it occurs when we believe we are not fulfilling, or have no hope of realizing our God-given potential. For others, it is the full acceptance of mediocrity, both in themselves and others. It is safer to continue in the mundane routine of our daily lives, than to take the risk of the unknown, to break free of the quiet unlit embers that have somehow quelled the fire in our souls.

In today’s verse, God reminds us that no matter how dismayed we become, His thoughts towards us are of Divine Love and complete peace. No matter how discouraging our circumstances, when we call on the name of Jesus, the verse says, He will hear our plea and respond. There is absolutely no reason to go through your life in quiet desperation. At some point, you will have to really believe that God values your life’s potential.  After all, He was the One who placed it in you to begin with.

Take the time to really read your Bible; it was created to inspire deep internal thought about your life in relation to God. Use it as the ultimate tool to guide you in understanding the God-given potential for your life. Pray for guidance to alleviate any inner doubts so that you can internalize the depth of God’s Love towards you. Continue to write down your thoughts as you read. It will recalibrate your thinking to foster action, helping you to develop a keen awareness of your life’s purpose; and, eliminate that quiet desperation we often feel.  Believe that God values your life’s potential, because the contrary would be to agree with Thoreau, and, go to the grave with your  song still inside you. L.

Study Reference: Jeremiah 29:11-13 
From: "Quiet Desperation." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

     

​ "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.
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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 to edit.

   "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”      Matthew  6:9-15


​While I was writing, In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living; I learned that forgiveness would become a key factor in my personal life and in my ministry.  While writing, I realized that the Bible is full of forgiveness. (Consider reading, An Exercise In Forgiveness, and  Teach Us To Pray, Too.) As a matter of fact, the entire book is based on how God forgave humanity for our initial sin against Him. And, although the Bible is full of ancient stories concerning every aspect of modern life, many of them are stories of redemption by way of forgiveness. It was not until I began to research the Bible for my book that I also realized that many aspects of our spiritual growth, as Christians, are lessons learned based on forgiveness. But, as in all things, we must first begin with prayer.
 
Today, most Christians take prayer for granted; however, when Jesus walked among the multitudes, people really didn't pray. They took their supplications to the priest, along with their designated sacrifice, and the priest intervened on their behalf in regard to their need.  When the people asked Jesus how to pray, they really did not know that they could offer a plea or prayer directly to God, without being in front of an altar with a sacrifice.  That’s one of the reasons why His teachings were considered sacrilege by the Pharisees.

In Luke 11:1 the Bible says,
“And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
 
Depending how you were raised, the denomination you belonged to, and whether you really believe that you can speak directly to God, many things will factor into your decision to pray. Yet, let’s take a look at –The Lord’s Prayer; the prayer that Jesus taught His Disciples and the new Believers we now call Christians.  Let’s see how the components of The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 are broken down.
 
(9)   "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven,"

• This prayer opens with a salutation expressed directly to our Father in Heaven.

     "Hallowed be Thy Name."

• Immediately we are blessing the Name of God. It’s like visiting someone’s home, and after you greet them, you immediately tell them how wonderful they are! Needless to say, you will be welcomed into their home with love and gladness.

(10) "Thy kingdom come. Thy Will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven."

• This offers the power of agreement indicating that the kingdom of Heaven should reign. And, not only do you  come in peace and without conflict against God, you  agree that His reign should be on earth as it is in Heaven.
• You also recognize that God’s omnipotence reaches far above Heaven and earth, extending its command to cover your life. 

(11) Give us this day our daily bread.

• Like the manna that fell in the wilderness afresh daily, asking God for your daily bread expresses that you expect your provision to come from Him.

(12) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.*

• This statement is a provisional statement, signifying that you recognize, know, and accept that your forgiveness is provisional upon your forgiveness of others.

(13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

• This statement openly asks God for His leadership and guidance against those things that you might fall prey to.  It reaffirms your personal understanding and plea for salvation against the power of darkness.

   "For  Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever. Amen.

• And, of course, the last line signifies that you agree that the Kingdom of God be glorified, in the Ultimate Power of God for eternity.  

 
The interesting thing is that, you have only spoken The Lord's Prayer, and look at all that you have already said!
Now, there’s much more that you can say; but, if you have decided to offer this prayer only, it’s a really good place to start.   L.

Study Reference: Matthew 6:9:15, Luke 11:-4
From: "Teach Us To Pray." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: picshype

 ​  “Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shall escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether hold thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed; and who knows whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?          Esther 4:13-14


The story of Esther is a fascinating story!  When you have some time, read the entire book for yourself.  The story is really about conquering anxiety and releasing fear to accomplish God's desire for your life. The annual Jewish celebration of Purim is actually based on this historical / biblical event.

When we read the story of Esther, most of us look at her self-sacrifice and heroism; however, today let's take a look at Mordecai, the adult cousin, who became her guardian and mentor. It was a custom in all communities around the world to take the responsibility of raising a family member's child/ children if they became orphans, or if their parents simply could not care for them. In some cases, if a wealthy member of the family or community were childless, someone would send their own child to them to raise as their own.  It was rare that a couple went without having children, whether they were biological or not.  Today we look at people like Madonna and Angelina Jolie, and are perplexed at their decision to adopt children from the ravages of poverty.  Esther’s cousin Mordecai, whom she referred to as her uncle must have been a man with a good heart.  He not only agreed to raise Esther as his own child, he gave her the principles that would nurture a love for God, ultimately leading her to the kind of heroism that would save an entire nation. He taught her self-reliance, respect, bravery, and altruism. He thought she was beautiful, and because he thought so, and told her so, she believed him.  Through his influence and guidance she would follow the path God designed for her life.

Each one of us has the ability to shape the lives of the children directly in our lives or somewhere around us. Many of us can search our past to find more than one adult, other than our parents, who shaped and nurtured our minds, talents, and gifts.  They taught us to cast out fear so that we could become the person we are today.  We have to look around us and nurture the children who will one day become our guardians.  As is the circle of life, one day they will return the favor by fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives, and you never know —they too might save a nation!  L.  

Study Reference: Esther 4:11-16 
From: "Saving A Nation."  In The Master's Hands II: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo; overflow

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

Revelation 8:3-4 says,
“…And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before The Throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand…”

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

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

Study Reference: Psalm 141:1-3, Revelation 8:3-4
From: “Aroma Before The Throne.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock
​​

    “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou know not what a day may bring forth.”    Proverbs 27:1 

​
What if you found out you were going to die in a few days, not a year, or a month, but a few days?  How important would time management be to you then?  I have to admit, I am a mediocre time manager. I try to squeeze every second out of a minute by wringing milliseconds the way some of us squeeze water out of a towel.  I am forever chasing the clock, replacing what could be done with what needs to be done. 

A few years ago, I was in a conversation with a young anesthesiologist I had recently met; he was a handsome man with an athletic build who appeared exquisitely healthy.  I was surprised when he told me his age because he looked much younger than his actual age.  When I complimented him on his athletic build, he responded that only a month ago, he was "this much," gesturing the measurement of an inch with his fingers, “from death.”  As it turns out, his physician discovered one of those terminal diseases involving the brain stem whose name I cannot remember.  As we talked about it, I could see the emotion welling in his eyes.  “You know,” I said, “…you have to remember that faith is more significant when it comes to healing than most people understand.  And to be honest with you, sometimes physicians know way too much.  It is quite possible that now is the time for you to increase your level of faith. —Faith changes everything!”   “True,” was all he said, and he sped off.   As I thought about our conversation later that evening, I came to the conclusion that we are all terminal; he simply had a clearer understanding of how soon his time may come to an end. 

When we follow the life of Jesus, He knew His mortal life was terminal.  He knew when, where, how, what, and why His life was to be given/ taken; so, He spent His days teaching, speaking, healing, and loving those around Him. He impacted their lives so deeply that they would later impact the lives of billions far into the future.  Truthfully, we waste a lot of time on useless issues, not really spending quality time with those we really love, significantly impacting their lives with the kind of love that empowers them to impact others.  Maybe spending time with the people we really care about, and doing the things that truly honor God to fulfill our purpose, is our true time management.  If this is so, everything else becomes filler and can easily be eliminated.   L.   

Study Reference: Proverbs 27:1 
From: "Time Management." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

   
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the Hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”  
​Psalm 121:1-2

​
This Psalm recounts a day in the life of the prophet Elisha taken from 2 Kings.  In the story, Elisha is being hunted by an enemy Syrian king, because of specific prophecies he gave the king of Israel to defeat Syria. When the Syrian king finally finds out exactly who is telling the king of Israel his military secrets, he commands his army to seize Elisha. So, during the night, the Syrian army completely surrounds the city and the prophet’s home.  The next morning when Elisha’s servant comes out to do his morning chores, he sees the army surrounding them; fearful, he goes back inside to tell Elisha. However, when Elisha comes out to look at the impending army, he turns to his servant and says, “Have no fear, The Army that is with us is larger than the one against us.”  Yet, Elisha’s servant could not see the army of God surrounding the Syrian army. He could only “see” the problem set before him.  Once Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened, the servant was able to see God’s angelic army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding the Syrian army. 
 
What does all this have to do with you?  –Well, just because you can’t see God’s army surrounding you, does not mean it’s not there.  Even when things seem the bleakest, do not give up!  Because, the reality is, God can change the tide of opportunity in seconds!  He can even change an impending army of enemies to your advantage.  
So, go ahead, “Lift up your eyes unto the Hills, your help comes from the Lord. Not just any lord, The LORD who made heaven and earth.”  L.
 
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today’s verse

Study Reference: Psalm 121:1-2, 2 Kings 6
From: “Your Thoughts:  Lord, Open My Eyes.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Joel Robison

"Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you...”     Psalm 55:22 

​
Although most of us prefer not to admit it, there is a purpose for the pain we go through.

Consider the pain a caterpillar must experience during its transition in becoming a beautiful butterfly.  As a caterpillar, it crawls the earth searching for food, using its many legs to climb the height of trees.  In order to go through its transformation, it must endure a deep incubation period wrapped in a tight cocoon, unable to move to the right or left, up or down.  It is almost a direct metaphor for the way most of us feel when we are going through personal strife. —Stuck, confined, nowhere to turn.  In order to experience flight, and life as a butterfly, it must wait for the cocoon to harden; and then, it must physically fight its way out. This process is not immediate—it takes time.  More importantly, it cannot be rushed. If the butterfly cannot meet the struggle to make it out of the cocoon, it dies, and the cocoon becomes a coffin.

Although we believe our strife is completely unwarranted, and we commonly find ourselves asking God to remove our pain, problem, or adversity, the process of strife is necessary to aid us in becoming closer to God. Why?  Because most of the time when things are going wonderfully, we forget about our relationship with God.  When things are stressful and hardships are present, we remember to find solace in communicating with God.  Similar to the caterpillar during its restriction in the cocoon, God forces us to concentrate not on the exterior elements of our life, but the inner transformation necessary to experience a transition.  This type of transition takes us from a superficial relationship with God, to a deeper level of understanding what it truly means to receive sustenance from Him.

Jesus, while in deep communal prayer with God in the Garden of Gethsemane, asked God three times to “remove this cup” from Him. Yet, He also said, “Not as I will, but as Thou will.” (Mark 14:36)   This statement is the key invocation added to our prayers that will help us as we pray for ourselves while going through our own adversity. 

Chances are, like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the pain during your level of adversity will not go away. However, God will give you the strength to actually move through it.   And, like the butterfly struggling through the process of emerging from its cocoon, you will emerge transformed and much stronger from the process, with the ability to clearly see the world from a completely different perspective and a much higher vantage point.   L.

Study Reference: Psalm 55, Mark 14:32-42
From: "PAIN: Processing The Painful." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

  "And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a Man with him until the breaking of the day. And when He saw that He prevailed not against him, He touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with Him. And He said; Let Me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. And He said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And He said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed... And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel; for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”       Genesis 32:24-28, 30


We often rely on the company and companionship of others because, we are all social beings; and, it offers a sense of belonging to someone other than ourselves. In fact, there are not a lot of people who actually prefer being alone, at least not for long periods of time. Yet, solitude can bring a sense of reflection; and reflection can bring a sense of enlightenment; and enlightenment can bring a sense of purpose; and, a sense of purpose can lead to purposeful action, —the kind of action that ultimately leads to a definitive result. 

In most instances, solitude will allow you to concentrate on those things God needs for you to learn, one lesson at a time. —Think of it as, God’s Independent Study Class.  Like any class, you will need to bring your past experiences and complete the prerequisites in order to attend. And, like any independent study class, you will need to do the in-depth research, introspection and final prep work on your own. In addition, only if you receive a passing grade will you advance to higher-level classes with greater challenges. However, in God’s Independent Study Class, just when you thought it was time for you to graduate, you find that new classes have been added to your curriculum. 

Every person should have a time to reflect in solitude. A time set aside to commune alone with God, not simply for answers, but also for direction. There are personal revelations that will only occur when you are alone—insights into your personal life which will not occur when you are communing with others. These revelations are part of your personal growth and must be faced alone. Jacob learned this lesson when he took God’s Independent Study Class while planning to reconcile with his brother Esau. During his class, he grappled so long and hard with God for a passing grade that, God changed his name! 

Why not take the time to enroll in God's Independent Study Class? Why not spend some time in solitude so that God can give you the direction that you need to complete His Life Class? Chances are, you will learn far more than you possibly ever imagined.  L.  

Study Reference: Galatians 6:5, Genesis 32:22-30
From: "Finding Solitude." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Night Sky, pixabay