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


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

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

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

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

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

“And Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked Him, saying, “Art thou the King of the Jews?”  And Jesus said unto him, “Thou sayest.” And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.  Then said Pilate unto Him, “Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee?”  And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.” Matthew 27:11-14 

 
In physics, Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion is, “For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction.”  Strangely enough, I remember my middle school science teacher using the example of a subway straphanger.  “If the train sways to the right,” He said, “you automatically go to the left; if it sways left, you automatically go right.”    

“Okay,” I thought to myself. “This is simple enough to prove.”  I couldn't wait to see if it were true.  I got on the subway, and sure enough, when the train swayed to the right, I automatically swayed left, and vice versa. 

Like the subway test, this theory also works in the motions of everyday life. Yet, it does not necessarily have to work when it comes to speech.  Every verbal statement does not require an equal and opposite reaction. Some verbal responses are simply unnecessary. If you are trying to start a rough and tumble fight, Newton is the place to start; simply incorporate Newton’s third law of motion to fuel the energy you need to ignite a tiny spark into a full-blown flame. It is like the verbal street game The Dozens, a game where the participants berate one another in front of an audience to see who has the verbal acumen to destroy the other.

As we grow in our Christian walk, we will realize that not every verbal attack deserves a response.  That’s not to say you cannot respond, or that you do not have an arsenal of responses to give; it’s simply that you choose not to respond. It is where you select your words so wisely, it does not fuel the embers of what could become a roaring fire.  It is where the other person calls you a name other than your given name, or says something not to your liking, and you simply do not respond. You allow the other person to own their own words, owning what they've said to you, not your response. 

In today’s verse, the condemnation is not to Jesus, the condemnation belies the Pharisees, chief priests, elders, and other members of the Sanhedrin who were His verbal accusers.  We know that in today’s vast technological climate of instant communication, we can receive a response to any query in an instance; however, we must remember, like Jesus, there are times when we will offer the greatest and loudest response—with silence.   L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 27:1-14  
From: "An Unequal Reaction." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo credit: Jose L. Amalbert, The Colors of Silence

​
“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the Voice of the Lord walking in the garden in the cool of the day; and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, “Where art thou?”  And he said, “I heard Thy Voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”    Genesis 3:7-10 

 
As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time in a career in fashion merchandising, both at the couture level and the mass market level, I still find it incredibly surprising how emotional people react to clothing. The truth is, there is nothing new under the sun. All clothing has been around for centuries, in one form or another. I recently explained to a group of adult students that, in the rural areas of some countries, if a woman shows just a little bit of bare ankle accidentally, she can be stoned for what is considered an act of seduction; while in other countries, bare breasts are the norm. 

One of my favorite fashion-related stories comes from an English pastor who was converted after leading a life of selling drugs and other street related activities. He tells the story of how he, in total despair, spent the wee hours of the morning of his last night as a hoodlum, arguing with God, attempting to commit suicide, with a nine millimeter handgun pointed at his head, when it jammed—twice.  An interesting occurrence since, this type of handgun was specifically designed not to misfire. In total self-pity, brokenness, and no sleep, he dropped to his knees and promised God he would get dressed, and attend church services that morning. 

He looked in the closet and selected his best “...pimp-mack-daddy-suit in bright sunshine yellow, to be as sharp as possible” for God’s house.  When he arrived at the church, he wanted to make certain that God knew he was in church; so, with the pews filled with its ultra conservative congregation, he marched right down the center aisle for a prime seat up front.  He said, “Because, I wanted to make ‘sure’ God knew I was there!”
If you attend church services or are familiar with the conservative nature of most churches, you can imagine the reaction of the church membership as the man in the bright yellow suit marched down the center aisle.  If the events leading up to this visit wasn't so serious, it would be almost comical; a true comedic skit from one of those Medea movies by filmmaker, Tyler Perry.  

And yet, this young man went on to become fully converted, turning his life over to Jesus Christ, leading others by retelling his own story, and finally becoming a pastor.  The “yellow pimp-mack-daddy suit” is now the marker for his conversion.  But, imagine for a moment if someone in the church would have said to him, “We don’t want you here! Take your sunshine-yellow-pimp-mack-daddy-wearing-self back out the door!” In church culture, we really don’t have to say it to the person; we simply snub our noses in an unwelcoming fashion, believing that the person should know better.  But, what happens if this is all they have in their closet?  It doesn’t have to be a bright yellow suit.  It can be a revealing party dress, jeans, a t-shirt, halter top, tube top, something too short, too tight, too loose, or old and dated, etc.  What difference should it make to you? --To us?  --To anyone?    

Clothing, more than many other things, say a lot about the wearer; sometimes style has to do with taste level, sometimes income status, cultural identity, etc. However, many times, like Adam in Genesis 3:10, it has to do with shame, self-esteem or lack thereof.  We emerged from conservative puritanical roots; church attire should be conservative, but if you don’t have it, Jesus says, “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out...” John 6:37.   Our Father in Heaven created us with no clothes or adornments; except, the ones innate to our own body—hair, fingernails, toe-nails, and skin. Let us not allow our conservative puritanical ideologies to inhibit us from aiding someone else in finding God.  Since, thankfully, God sees only our heart—​not our fashion statement.  L.
​
Study Reference: Genesis 3:1-14
From: "The Question of Attire."   In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Justin Dingwall 
​​

“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 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.  
​
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.
​
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: istock
​

“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.“    
Psalm 18:3 a


When is God worthy to be praised?

There are some people who will only praise God when they are in church. And, there are others who will only sing the songs found in their hymnal. However, praise is personal; often, our songs are our heartfelt prayers set to music.  Whether we are happy or sad, or full of joy or sorrow, the songs we sing are our way of calling out for God’s mercy and goodness.  It is our soul’s poetry to Him and it can be completely random and made up as we go. So remember, when you call on God you do not have to be eloquent, on key, in unison, or even audible; your song simply has to be a song that encompasses your heartfelt Love and honest Praise.  L.  

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

Study Reference: Psalm 18:3
From: "Your Thoughts: Praise!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: m. kiellinkou

​
















​"Heavens declare the Glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where Their Voice is not heard.  Their Line is gone out through all the earth, and Their Words to the end of the world.”    Psalm 19:1-4
​ 
 
When we really understand the Glory of God, we learn to see Him in everything. The first few years of my life were spent in the idyllic regions of Costa Rica, where anything anyone really needs is gained from the land. At the time, most people were farmers; they bought and sold what they needed from each other, placing great value in the earth and the yield of the land. My grandfather, also a farmer, knew the time of day from the position of the sun; and my grandmother planned her menu from the availability of produce from the earth. Like all rural people, they spent a considerable amount of time looking at the sky for the details that invariably marked their daily lives. 

As a New Yorker, things are different. You can buy whatever you want, whenever you want it. Whether it is in season here or not, is irrelevant; it is in season somewhere in the world; and, this means you can have it here.  Most New Yorkers never look at the sky unless there is something specific occurring; we are too busying planning the details of our daily lives through our Galaxies and i-Phones.   

When I read the Psalm above, it truly gave me pause. I had to stop for a moment to consider the words. Take a moment and reread the passage. Do you truly understand the vast scope of David’s words? 

Consider this; the very Voice of God is spoken in the infinite dawning of every day!  In the birth of a new day, God’s Voice speaks to the world.  And, in the beauty and cover of night, He speaks His knowledge to the world. There is no place on earth where He does not speak His blessing of day and night to every living entity in the world.

To be more accurate, every living thing, human or beast, flora or fauna, creeping or crawling, flying or swimming; in every nation, speaking any language, in any religion, of any age, whether rich or poor, must acknowledge His Voice manifested in the blanketed presence of every morning and evening—every day and night. It cannot go unnoticed!
​It orders your steps, and guides your life.  There is nowhere to hide from its presence, it occurs whether you are present or not, and continues to manifest whether you acknowledge it or not.      
             
Think about that the next time you are feeling alone, uninspired, or unloved; and instead of feeling sadness, look up at the sky, acknowledge the day or night, and say thank you Father for your awesome presence in my life and in this world.   L.  

Study Reference: Psalm 19:1-6
From: "The Heavens Declare God." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Boonstown

​
​“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”     Ecclesiastes 3:1-8


There is so much hustle and bustle in our lives, I am not certain how so many people get by without taking time out to be alone. It is not simply taking time out to relax that I am referring to; it is taking the time to renew and re-energize yourself so that you can hear that "still small voice" of God we are always talking about. For most of us, this means actually turning off our cell phones or mobile devices. Yes, I know, just the thought of it almost sent some of you into cardiac arrest!  But trust me, you will be fine. If they really need you, they will call back another time.

It also means turning off the television and detoxifying from the remote control. And yes, it also means actually turning off the computer! —I understand, I use my computer for everything from spreadsheets to graphic design, music, and news; but even so, there comes a time when it has to be turned off.

Recently, I listened as a talk show host asked her audience, “How many of you take your Blackberry/ i-Phones to the bathroom? "  Several people raised their hands. She laughingly reprimanded the audience by looking at the others who did not reply by saying, “—​And the rest are not telling the truth!”   Then she asked, how many still pick it up after 11 pm, 12 am, 1 am, etc. Several audience members raised their hands. What we don’t understand, is that these devices literally become our idols.

Turning off all your distractions will allow you to simply be, giving yourself time to think, pray, and receive the rejuvenation you need. This will ultimately allow you to become a vessel equipped for receiving incoming transmissions from God. How can you be a vessel for receiving incoming transmissions from God, when you are always plugged into all those electronic devises that preoccupy your mind?
To everything there is a time. —Today, just turn it off.  —Well, at least for an hour.  L.

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 
From:"Turning It All Off."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo:  mon soutien etudiant ​

​



















​"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: Martin Bernetti/ Calbuco Volcano, Puerto Montt, Chile ​

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

​
Jesus Himself uttered today’s verse to the woman He met at the well in Samaria after she explained “where” she worshipped God. Yet instead, in His response He explains, what “type” of worship God truly requires of us.
 
Some of us go to church out of rote; we simply have kept the tradition of going week after week, because it was fostered by our parents and grandparents. So, we walk in broken and unfulfilled, and we walk out cloaked the very same way. We utter pleasantries, hear the Word, then leave; and, although God may speak directly into our lives while there, we enact no change. So, what’s the point?   If you are coming out the same way that you went in, with no change to your spirit or your truth, what is really the point?
 
In the case of the Samaritan woman at the well, God spoke directly into her life. The truth of her life was that she felt spiritually unfulfilled, ostracized, and completely unworthy. This was her truth. God already knew it; and, this truth is what He needed for her to bring to the altar. And yet, she came day after day to the wellspring thirsty and unfulfilled; worse yet, leaving God in the very same state, thirsty and unfulfilled in reference to her life.
 
The idea of worship in Spirit and in Truth is exactly what it says.  It is the relinquishing of your Spirit to God, where you bring the issues of your existence to the altar for purging.  It means bringing the truth about your feelings, fears, hopes, dreams, desires, and aches to the altar.  It means that, if you walked in with a pending issue, that issue is left at the altar when you leave.  We are in the midst of a new year; do you still want to do the same old thing?   Do you leave Jesus at the well, thirsty for the utterance of your truth, unfulfilled with the relinquishing of your spirit?  Or, are you really ready to make the necessary changes to be fully quenched in Spirit and in Truth?  

Like all things pertaining to God, it comes down to one decision. Do you allow Him to lead your life or not?   The decision is yours alone.  There really is no middle ground --it is either yes, or no.  L.
 
Study Reference: John 4:4-32, John 4:23-24, James 5:12
From: “In Spirit and In Truth.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo credit: Warren Keelan

"…I have glorified Thee on the earth; I have finished the work which Thou gave Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was…”    
​John 17:4-5


​God’s Love is truly everlasting. Jesus did not come to teach, heal, and save only a few people, He came for everyone. And yes, even those who you believe don’t stand a chance in “&@#!.”  He left them here for you and I to speak to, interact with, pray for, and finally, lead to Him.  We know that Jesus could have cured every person on the planet while He walked on this earth; instead, He healed those who asked for it, ached for it, and believed He could do it. He gave those with the greatest faith what they needed.

Your faith and belief are your most powerful assets in this world.  And, if you do not nurture it, and use it, it dissipates. Why? Because, there is so much opposition to it; even internally, as believers,we can begin the process of casting doubt.  Doubt starts out simple enough; it is just a small thought that something you really believe is possible—simply is not possible. Then it begins to fully manifest, adding even more questions. Until finally, you give up. By this time, you really cannot believe in the possibility of your own faith; it was simply just "too good" to be true. Ordinarily, things that are too good to be true, actually are. But with God, all things are already too good to be true! That’s the beauty of God.
Prior to the betrayal by Judas Iscariot, Jesus prayed to the Father for those He was to leave behind. 

“I pray not that Thou should take them out of the world, but that Thou should keep them from evil."   John 17:15 

We must interact with those that are in the world to teach and lead them to Jesus Christ, fulfilling His desire that all who belong to Him be sanctified unto Him. There will be times when we are not prepared to go against the temptations of evil, or those who appear lost; because, we are simply not ready within ourselves to do so. But when you believe you are ready, you must go. It will strengthen your faith and your belief. And simply said; it is our divine directive from God. L.

Study Reference: John 16:1-33 & 17:1-26
Excerpt From:"The Divine Directive."In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

“Who is a God like unto Thee that pardons iniquity and passes by the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”      Micah 7:18-19


For many Christians, including myself, forgiveness is a big issue. It's not simply forgiving others, although that may be just as big an issue, but forgiving ourselves. We consider our deeds or misdeeds, and think to ourselves, God cannot forgive us for whatever act /sin we believe we have committed.  We make this statement so true in our own minds that forgiving ourselves seem completely outrageous. So, we wallow in the arms of self-pity, doubt, and fear, languishing in darkness, instead of what should be the Light of forgiveness and the Grace of God.

In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reminds us that His thoughts are far beyond our level of thinking.  In it He says; 
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways…  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

God travels on the ultimate high road, offering compassion and granting forgiveness to all those who ask. If this is so, how can we ever believe that God will not forgive us for past or even future misdeeds?  We cannot think like God; our understanding of His forgiveness is often misguided and limited.  And yet, no one else can tell you to forgive yourself for something you have done, if you do not believe you deserve forgiveness. Your quest is to ask God for His forgiveness, repenting of your sins cloaked under the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Once you have done so, you must believe that His forgiveness has occurred; and, fully accept that the thoughts of your Father in Heaven are far beyond both your expectations and your understanding. -Now there are times when you will have to ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt, however, forgiving yourself can only start with God. L.

Study Reference: Micah 7:18-19  
From: "Forgiving Yourself."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: tapyaps

​"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will He keep His anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.  Like as a Father pities His children, so the LORD pities them that fear Him.  For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.    Psalm 103:8-14

 
The core reason for Jesus in the lives of humanity is forgiveness; and although as Christians, we call it salvation, it is still really forgiveness.  Most people do not realize just how powerful it is in the lives of humanity, and how definitive it is in the lives of Christians. Yet, once we understand the power it offers, it literally places active miracles in our lives. It changes everything.  It changes how we love each other; and, it expands our compassion to every living being on earth. It teaches us who we are, and just how close to God we really can become. It tells us where our hearts are, and whether we have learned the true teachings of God. It is not doctrine, it is not dogma. It is Jesus Christ and whether we have learned the lessons of what it really means to be a Christian.  So today, I want to reach out to our audience for us to try an exercise. I am certain that there are readers who are saying to themselves, “I don’t have anyone that I need to forgive for anything! –My heart is pure and cleansed of this issue.”  Maybe that’s true.  But, unless you deeply understand this spiritual concept and practice it daily, today’s message is still for you.

Every person walking the earth has someone that they have not forgiven for one issue or another. For some of us, this is a huge issue; for others, it is just beginning to manifest. Since unforgiveness is a spiritual matter, it can enter your life without your conscious knowledge. Like most people, you may simply consider it anger; or, just some incident that occurred which simply made you mad or disgusted. It could be a person who harmed you so deeply, all you could do was cry. Even now, while you are reading, you are thinking about this person or this incident. It could be the death of a loved one, or the betrayal of someone you loved deeply.   It could be words spoken so wickedly by someone, it carved a deep scar in your spirit.  Unforgiveness is so powerful it can start with those who gave you life; or, those you related to as your Mother and Father. It can be your grandparents, adopted parents, or your foster family. It can be someone from grade school, middle school, or High school.  It can be your first crush; or, the first person who broke your heart. It can be your wife or your husband, brother or sister; or, it can be someone who hurt you yesterday.  Unbeknown to you, this thing has altered your life in one way or another.  Even if you do not fully understand it now, it has changed you and every aspect of the personal power God has granted to you.  So, instead of the usual discussion regarding a topic, I would like for us to do an exercise. Let’s call it, An Exercise in Forgiveness.
 
Take out a blank sheet of paper, and make a list of every person who has ever done something bad to you. It doesn’t matter if it is something harmful, disrespectful, or neglectful. Here are the definitions. –Harmful is, if someone physically hurt you; disrespectful is, if someone called you something outside your name, spat at you, or literally made you feel like trash; and, neglectful is, if someone left you, abandoned you, or even died.   I added death to the list, because I now understand that when someone dies and we are not prepared, we blame God.  If this is you, you will need to forgive God for taking them home.  Again, if someone in your life has been harmful, disrespectful, or neglectful; list them on your paper. –As long as you feel as if you can’t stand them, don’t want to see them, or ever speak to them in this life, those are the ones I want you to list.  Why? -Because, they have a great deal of relevance in your life; and, although you do not know it, there is a roomful of blessings God has planned for you; yet, you cannot access, because your unforgiveness is blocking it.  
 
When you forgive someone it releases your spirit’s ability to access the spiritual dimension of God. It opens a spiritual parallel between you and The Holy Spirit.  Jesus said, “...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”  It is the reason that He placed forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer. Just imagine for a moment, Jesus could have placed any words that we needed into the Lord’s Prayer, yet, he placed our forgiveness as the basis whether He would forgive us for the sins committed against Him.  It’s true, God forgives our sins based on our acceptance of Jesus Christ; however, just like there is a higher level of Spiritual access that we gain when as Christians, we connect to The Holy Spirit.  There is a higher supernatural level that we achieve when we forgive those who have hurt us in some way. Forgiveness of others literally teaches us spiritual empathy in direct parallel with God.   This is not an intellectual exercise.  This is a spiritual exercise that, if it becomes a practice, will elevate our spiritual connection to God.  Jesus taught us this in many stories, including: the parable of the Prodigal Son, the story of Peter denying Him, and the parable of the man who was forgiven 10,000 talents, yet could not forgive the man who owed him 100 pence. (Luke 15:11-32, John 18:15-27, Matthew 18:23-35)
 
Forgiveness, it is the basis of every healing miracle Jesus enacted in the life of those who believed. It is the basis for healing in the body, mind, and Spirit.  It is the reason for every sacrificial lamb that was offered up to God for 42 generations prior to Jesus. And, it is the basis for Jesus, the Final Sacrificial Lamb of God. It is the reason we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, and it is the very reason we became Christians. –Forgiveness.
 
If you are a man or woman, teenager or child, and you need to forgive, take the sheet of paper with all those names on it, and one by one, say each name on your list out loud.  Then, after every name, say these words out loud, “I forgive you.” –Say it until you really, really mean it. –Start today, repeat tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day after that, until it is no longer an issue. Then pray for yourself.  Remember, all words have life. They can be used to heal or to destroy; to forgive or to condemn; to bless or to curse.  Somehow they have a way of boomeranging, so choose them wisely, and make yours count!  L.  

*Click for the other parts of this series, Teach Us To Pray,  and Teach Us To Pray, Too, 
 
Study Reference: Psalm 103:8-14, Luke 15:11-32, John 18:15-27, Matthew 18:23-35
From: “An Exercise in Forgiveness.” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: wordpress

 
"By Him therefore let us offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”  
Hebrews 13:15-16  
 

I am not certain if I ever really understood the concept of sacrificial praise.  I had been praying all week for a little 2 ½ year old boy who was vaccinated with the flu vaccine, and was now severely ill and hospitalized.  Although he was very sick, I somehow knew he was going to be alright. Yet, instead of freely feeling the act of praise, I felt extremely sad the entire week.

I only saw this child on those occasions when our paths crossed as his mother was picking him up from his babysitter and I was coming home from work. This little boy was always so happy to see me, using his infectious smile to welcome me into the building’s elevator as he was on his way out. So, it was with some surprise when I saw his mother without him that I said,
“Where’s the baby?”  She looked down at the floor with complete sadness in her eyes. “He’s in the hospital.”  “The hospital?”  I said, a little surprised. “What is he doing in the hospital?     “I took him to get the flu shot, and he had a really bad reaction to the vaccine.”  She said, Her eyes welling up with tears, “--He is not doing well.”   We spoke for a few more minutes.  Then I said, “I am going to pray for him, but you need to pray for him also.  You are his mother, and your prayer is very important for him. God always answers a mother’s prayer for her children.  --By the way, what is his name?”   “D.J.”  She said.  “Okay, I’ll pray for D.J.”  She took the elevator up, and I went for my walk.

For the next hour, I walked and talked with God, praying for D.J., pleading with God for the return of his smile, and a full recovery. Reminding God that D.J. had not had the opportunity to experience anything but his little toys and his mother’s love.  He had not ridden a tricycle, reached puberty, had his first crush, or experienced the pain of a broken heart. All I could think about was his little body, little hands, and that smile. I walked with tears in my eyes. 

I walked and prayed, but I have to tell you, I certainly did not feel  like praising, I just felt sad.  The kind of sadness you get when you focus on the problem and not the solution.  I kept thinking about D.J. laying in the hospital on life support, and not the solution—the extremely powerful healing Love of Jesus Christ. I knew Jesus would work it out, but somehow I could not focus on the solution, only the problem. 

 Then it hit me, this is what God meant by sacrificial praise. This is what “sacrifice of praise” really means, and why it is called a sacrifice of praise.  It is the praise we offer to God that comes out of the deep sadness we feel when we focus on the problem, not the solution. More specifically, it is when our focus is so muddled with the problem; we cannot see the miracle that is our life unfolding in our midst. —And, even though we feel  like we can’t get out of bed to praise God for the very breath we take, we praise Him anyway!  

It is why the offering of your praise is a sacrifice; you really don’t feel  like offering it.  It doesn't come out freely with jubilation and passion.  You may feel the jubilation and passion after you begin, but it does not start out like that.  You literally have to push through deep sadness or some other mood just to offer the praise of your lips.  Nevertheless, if you could just see the other side as I imagine God sees it.  Those unrelenting, deeply sad praises are the kind of praise king David wrote about in so many of his Psalms; the ones where he is running, hiding, dodging enemies, or fighting his way out.  The ones where, although he cannot see the end—he knows God is with him.  It is that praise, which is even more pleasing to God!   It is the one where you are praising God, not because of something He’s done; not even because of something He is going to do; but, simply because He just is! —And, no matter how bad it gets, you know,
—you truly know, He is!  More importantly, it is the realization that, how you feel simply doesn't matter, because you are going to praise Him anyway!

So today, push pass your listless, non-praising, dispassionate, tired self, and remember to say Hallelujah, Glory to God, because no matter what happens, whether you feel Him or not, God’s is right there with you!  L.
*P.S. I saw D.J., he is out of the hospital and that fabulous smile is back!  Hallelujah, Glory to God!

Study Reference: Hebrews 13:15, Psalm 142:1-7 
From:"The Sacrifice of Praise." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
​Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: sculpture: pentateuque by fabien merelle

​




















"And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. And he said unto Him, if now I have found grace in Thy sight then show me a sign that Thou talkest with me.”    
Judges 6:16-17


We often plead with God to answer our prayers; however, sometimes we do not recognize or accept when God responds. Many times we reduce His response to good fortune, luck, or coincidence.  In discussing a difficult assignment we were working on, one of my colleagues shared a story concerning God’s response to his prayer request for a “sign” to assure him the job he was praying for would come through.   

“You are right;” He said, “It is a blessing.  I actually found out I got this job on my birthday. You know, it’s a funny thing. I was out of work for 15 months, the longest I have ever been out of work in my life, and I was very depressed. One evening, while visiting a friend of mine who lives upstate, I was sitting on the deck quietly praying, asking God for a job. I asked Him for a sign; something that would let me know that He really heard my prayer. When I looked up at the sky, I saw a shooting star!  I couldn't believe it!  I thought that I was seeing things, so I rubbed my eyes, and checked my glasses. When I looked up again, I saw another one, then another and another.  I couldn't believe it!  I called my girlfriend to tell her what had happened, and she told me that there was supposed to be a meteor shower that evening. As I told her the story, she said she thought it was a coincidence not a response from God; and, that I must have somehow known subconsciously that there was going to be a meteor shower that evening from the news. I explained that I didn't know there was going to be a meteor shower, and I hadn't even heard about it.  But she still didn't believe it was a response from God.  But I did!  It was too precise.  I had just finished asking for a sign, and there it was.  Then on November 18th, my birthday, I found out that I had gotten the job.” 

As he told the story, I thought about all the people who often pray about a circumstance or problem, yet somehow do not recognize the response when it occurs. It happens to all of us. We are reminded of this in the biblical story of Gideon, found in the Book of Judges, chapter six. Although, told by an angel that he is selected by God to lead Israel into battle against the Midianites and Amalekites, Gideon does not believe that he is the one God really wants. So, to gain confirmation of the angel’s message, he requests that the angel show him a sign.  When the sign occurs, he still does not believe he is the chosen one.  Believing instead that the sign was a coincidence, he requests yet another sign in the reverse order.  Throughout this story, although he is obedient to God, he is confused by his own fear, ultimately questioning almost every direction. 

Sometimes our doubts and fears get so far ahead of us that it becomes hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Yet the light is always there. There are times when you may need a sign to encourage you in your quest; if so, ask. But remember, it was Jesus, in response to Didymus ‘Doubting’ Thomas’ unbelief who said, “Blessed are they who have not seen, yet have believed.”  —Because, sometimes we simply have to have faith in understanding that no matter what happens, God is working on our behalf.   L. 

Study Reference: Judges 6:1-40, John 20:27-29
From: "Show Me A Sign." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Dan Bush

​“In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.  In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men.  And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended It not.”    
John 1:1-5
 
 
There’s an old adage reiterated by Franciscan monks that says, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness!”

Like the passing of the legendary Olympic torch from one person to another, God’s eternal Flame must ignite the hearts of man, going from one person to another, until His Flame, burning brightly, has gone throughout the world.

The original ignition of the Flame began with ONE. Then, that ONE ignited the hearts of 12 others who sent it burning throughout the ages until it reached –YOU.  Now, every person that you speak to has an opportunity to carry that Flame forward through time, or not.  

You cannot fear how the Flame is received. For some, the Flame will be a roaring fire igniting them to action. While for others, it will be a dimly lit spark barely noticeable by anyone.  Your job is to simply make the delivery, remembering that, the igniting of this Flame is passed on to others through you, your words, and your actions.  Its ignition is in your daily decision to share your compassion, kindness, love, honor, respect, and forgiveness so that others may see The Word of God alive in you.   You make this decision every second, of every minute, of every day, in every interaction, and every conversation. This Flame has no language barrier, no cultural differences, no international borders, or racial divides.  And yet, amazingly, God placed the power to light this Flame in YOU.  
But first, You must Light one torch, -YOURS.  L.
 
Study Reference: John 1:1-5
From: “The Light Within.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: odorunarra

​
"Keep thy foot when thou goeth into the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven and thou upon the earth, therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of busyness, and a fool’s voice is known by the multitude of words. When thou vow a vow unto God, defer not to pay it, for He hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou should not vow, than thou should vow and not pay.”    Ecclesiastes 5:1-5
​

Each day our life speaks volumes of our beliefs; and every day we affirm our convictions by our actions. Some days we speak flippantly about things that are true convictions, and on other days, we speak convictions about things that are irrelevant, not understanding how important it is to pay attention to what we actually say. 

Most people believe a vow to God is limited to money, because many times we find ourselves negotiating with God for some degree of monetary gain. The truth is, God does not need our money. However, if you make a monetary pledge, even if it is in jest, keep it. –It is a vow.   A vow is anything that you have promised God you will do. Whether it is in return for something or not, is irrelevant, to be certain, God will keep His end of the bargain. If you use the term, “I swear to God…,” then you should be aware that you are dangerously avowing whatever you have said.  And, if you are one of those people who like to "swear to God" in anger, guess what? –It is a vow.  In Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote, "It is better not to vow, than to vow and not to fulfill your vow."  Hannah understood this when she fulfilled her vow by taking her only son, Samuel, to the temple to live. (1 Samuel 1-2:11)

...What about you?  Have you promised God that you were going to do something that you have not done? If so, today is the day to ask for forgiveness. And, when you have finished asking for forgiveness, if your vow falls within the realm of love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, fulfill what you have vowed! L.

Study Reference: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, Judges 11:1-40
Excerpt from:"Vows." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bigstock

​














​


"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

​
​“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

​“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.”   Psalm 18:32    


Our lives can be so chaotic that we often forget the Christian practice of relinquishing all of our pending issues to God. It is in relinquishing our issues that our direction is made perfect in His will.  But of course, relinquishing is much easier said, than done.  For most of us, it is far too easy to mastermind our own escape, making our decisions much too quickly and without any premonition or thought of the future outcome.  And yet, we do it anyway; often, getting into trouble without the ability to turn back or correct our errors.  At the onset, God’s way always seems absurd and more difficult; so, we simply do it our way.

And so, like the Children of Israel struggling with their obedience as they walked in the desert, we tend to mastermind our own walk by continuously walking in circles, tracing our own footsteps over and over again.  God, on the other hand, travels in perfection, using the ultimate geometric theorem where, “the shortest distance between two points is a straight line;” a line, created just for you to make your way perfect. L.

**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.
 
Study Reference: Psalm 19:12, Psalm 32
From: "Your Thoughts: The Shortest Distance" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Jimmy McIntyre

“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
Psalm 42:3
 

When we are going through our most difficult time, whatever it may be, we must remember to turn our eyes to God. Most Christians understand that turning our thoughts to God is our directive when the perils of life attempt to overtake our emotional health. These perils or vicissitudes of life leave behind remnants of deep sadness, depression, and anxiety. Yesterday, I listened as a pastor gave three very basic instructions for overcoming these remnants. Most of us know them; but, they can be so basic and mundane that we simply take them for granted.
 
First, have a talk with God.  As Christians, we call it prayer.  Not a ritualistic prayer, but a conversation with God to explain how you are really feeling inside and to specify what you need help with.  When we go to God in prayer, we accept His guidance, dominion, and power over our life. So speak to Him as Jesus did, as Abba—Father, or as a close friend. Remember, although God already knows how you are feeling; often, we come to Him in prayer so that we can truly begin the process of healing.
 
Second, speak with a godly friend; someone who can pray with you and give you Godly advice. Obviously, this is very important; because, you really need someone who will pray for you when you are too weak to pray for yourself.  
–So yes, this means that you will have to confide in someone else, telling them the truth about what is actually going on in your life; and, most of all, how it is honestly making you feel. This person will be a major factor on those occasions when you decide you will not listen to God, so make certain that they are trustworthy. Why? Because, God is relentless; and, if you are not listening directly to Him, He will speak to you again and again through this person, until you listen; or, as Americans like to say, “Until you catch a clue!”
 
And third, READ your Bible. Begin to spend some quality time with the supernatural Word of God. It is powerful!
The Word of God speaks God’s Power into your life to restore your spirit’s equilibrium. It will plant seeds into the gaping holes that have been left in your spirit from all those perils and vicissitudes of life.
As you read, each one of those seeds planted by the Word, will begin to germinate, little by little, until eventually they begin to bloom the Spirit of God back into your life.
 
Yes, like everyone else, Christians can be saddened and depressed by the circumstances of life; however, if we follow some very basic steps, God will lead us right back out of it!  L.
 
Study Reference: Psalm 42:3, Psalm 23, Psalm 91
From: “Your Thoughts: Do Christians Get Depressed?”In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo credit: Vinayaka Ravi