"For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of Power, and of Love and of a Sound Mind."     2 Timothy 1:7


Today, so much of what is deemed film and television entertainment is solely based on fear and violence. We have taken cinematic fear and violence for granted for so long that, they have become an integral part of our daily experience while increasingly becoming more grotesque. These images slowly seep their poison into our minds, skewing our reality.

The concept of Halloween or Hallows Eve, is based on the promotion of fear.  Fear of all things dead, dying, treacherous and evil.  As Christians, we understand that fear is the absence or denial of God’s Love within the lives of humanity; lives filled without compassion, kindness, or love towards others. Quite frankly, an environment or life without God is completely fear-filled. It is understood that fear is also the absence of humanity’s love; the trepidation we experience when we have no love for a person, action, or activity we are about to undertake or experience. It is the precise feeling we often get when we act irrational or without thinking. It can govern our actions, unleash immorality, and create consequences that far outweigh our moral resolve. 

What if every time you felt fearful, you called on the Holy Spirit for guidance to walk through your fear? What if you could somehow recognize His Love and Light in the presence of your fear?  How do you think it would make you feel?

Fear takes on many forms; from actual enemies targeting us, to negative perceptions plaguing us. When we call on the Power of God to alleviate our fears, we create a major paradigm shift in our perception. God has already given us all that we need to conquer our fears —the power to seek Him.   In today’s text, the Bible says, He has given us Power, Love, and a Sound Mind to conquer fear.  

Today is a brand new day!  Dismiss the wicked, the violent, the fearful, and the grotesque!  Instead, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to conquer any fears that you may be harboring, which blocks your attainment of God's Plan for your best  life.  L.

Study Reference: 2 Timothy 1:7
Excerpt from: "Hallows Eve." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Shower of Roses

  "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 ​

​"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...”   Proverbs 23:7


We believe that being in prison is living behind bars; however, being in prison can be completely mental.  You can live behind walls and be free; or, you can live free and still be behind walls.

While watching a documentary on rural India, the show’s host noticed that all the adult elephants were tethered with a small density jute rope secured to young insignificant trees, not more than five or six inches in diameter. When he asked one of the elephant owners how he was able to keep an adult elephant tethered with such an old rope any adult human could easily break, the trainer replied that when the elephants are very young, its trainer ties it to a strong tree using a very strong rope. The baby elephant tugs and tugs, but it is much too young to break the rope. The trainer continues to use the rope until the young elephant accepts that he cannot break free. From that point on, it becomes unnecessary for the trainer to harness the elephant with a heavy rope, any rope will do. When the elephant is mature, large enough to kill its captive owner and break the rope, it does nothing because it has been trained from infancy that any attempt to break the rope is futile. 

The Bible says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he;...”   So, your perception is everything!

We often place ourselves in predetermined prisons.  Prisons we create in our minds because of something someone said or did to us; or, something we said or did to them.  Like the elephants in our story, there are paper-thin chains holding us that we believe are high density ropes. --Imaginary ropes that in reality, can be easily broken; yet somehow, we still hold on to the imagery of bondage.  

With the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Bible says, “...old things are passed away, all things become new.”  We have put on a new person who is no longer captive, but free.  Jesus offered you a truly new mindset; a paradigm shift in determining who you are and who you can be! 

If this is something you truly, truly understand, then why are you still keeping yourself tied to that small, minuscule, infant-size, fledgling tree with those silly crepe-paper chains of unforgiveness, self-doubt, unrealized goals, and old self-deprecating thoughts? 
–You have already been freed!  –Simply take one giant step, break that rope, and move forward!  Hallelujah!  L.

Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Proverbs 23:7
From: “Prisons.” In The Master’s Hands II: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: kidspot 

  "The Lord hath heard my supplications; The Lord will receive my prayer.”    Psalm 6:9

 
The Bible tells us that God hears our pleas, and will receive our prayers. Yet, most of us have no patience with God when it comes to our prayers.  We believe that just because He can answer immediately, He should.  Many times, it's easier for us to believe that our prayers have fallen on celestial deaf ears, than to honestly consider that our timing, regarding the issue we have prayed for, may be off.   That’s why faith is so important in the life of a Believer. It truly is the substance of things hoped for; and, the evidence of outcomes yet unseen.  For this reason, it is unnecessary to weep over something, or even someone that has been removed from your life.  Although we may have become attached to the thing or person, neither were necessary pillars for the future God planned for us.  Even if you believed that something or someone was to be an integral part of your  personal journey; often, the only reason that they were allowed to be there in the first place, was to teach you a valuable lesson about your Love, Character, Integrity, and Strength.
 
So, do not be discouraged, God’s response can emerge out of anything, through anyone, from anywhere. More importantly, it is an opportunity for Him to show that He has already opened doors just for you that no man can close; and, will close doors behind you, when necessary, that no man can open. As long as it is in the Will of God; if it is for you, it is for YOU; and nothing but an act of God can stop it from reaching you.  L.
 
**Now, it’s your turn to write down your own thoughts in your journal regarding today’s verse. Try to make it personal.

Study Reference: Psalm 6:9, Revelation 3:8
From: “Your Thoughts: Accepting...”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock
​

​"I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by My name; for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”      
​Isaiah 43:6-7


In today’s culture, everything is changeable; even human beings can surgically morph into someone else with the artistry of a plastic surgeon’s scalpel. Let’s be real. We castigated Michael Jackson for altering his distinctly African features into something even more unique; however, if we had Michael Jackson’s wealth we would eagerly change the things we find reprehensible about our own unique features. 

... Wouldn't it be great if we accepted each other’s unique beauty, acknowledging it as a gift from God? Take a look at the animals, we marvel at their unique features and regard their differences within their given species as a gift of rare beauty. We are no different, except we have the knowledge to imperfect God’s perfection in humanity with our ingratitude and ignorance.

Whoever you are, today take the time to look in a mirror and acknowledge that you are uniquely beautiful! You were not created to look like everyone else! The Bible says, "God knew you before you were formed, and took the time to number every hair on your head."  Believe in your  uniqueness, and that there is someone just for you who will love you exactly the way you were originally created by God. L.

Study Reference: Matthew 10:30-31, Isaiah 43:6-7 
Excerpt from: " Loving Yourself As Is." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers 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 worshiped  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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband, for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband, in that said thou truly... ...The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men, Come, see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did; is not this The Christ?”  
John 4:17-18, 28-29


​

We need at least one person in our life that will tell us the truth, no matter what the circumstance. It is always worth listening to, although sometimes, it can be difficult to hear. The truth allows us to make the necessary adjustments in our life to get us back on track. And, while it is easier to be with someone who continuously tells you what you prefer to hear, it will not allow you to grow to the optimum level you were destined to reach.

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman-at-the-well, He told her intimate details about her life; details that were known only to her and the men she had been intimately involved with. He lovingly told her that her insatiable desire to be with several different men came from a much deeper yearning for God’s Love.  A Love so intensely complete, it lasts forever. Outwardly, she happily went through her daily routine, secretly knowing there was an unfulfilled void in her life. When Jesus revealed the scattered details of her life, she immediately recognized her hidden desire and lack of fulfillment. Yet, it is interesting that she did not deny the truth about her life, she accepted the criticism of her past, and with it, the opportunity to change her future. In accepting what Jesus offered, she became so completely fulfilled by the Love of God, she left her pitcher and immediately went into the city to tell any and everyone about her encounter.

Find the truth in the criticism of others; sometimes, it may be just the wake-up call you need to foster a reaction, course alteration, or serious contemplation. Dismiss the criticism said in anger; because, although there may be truth in it, it will be difficult for you to see through all the inherent drama of the circumstance. If there is no one in your midst whom you can trust to honestly tell you the truth concerning a given situation, then tell your story to a perfect stranger. At least then, you will know that the person has no vested interest, is completely indifferent, and could probably care less about how you feel after they tell you the truth.  Not to mention, there is a really good chance that God will allow them to tell you exactly what you need to hear; since, you may have already decided, not to listen to Him.

The Samaritan woman-at-the-well made a conscious decision to accept the truth in the criticism she received. The Love of God freed her from concealing the weaknesses of her past, and empowered her to expose the power of her future! --Become what the Love of God has empowered you to be!  L.

Study Reference: John 4:17-18, 28-29 
From: "The Best Critic." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. .
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Sharpiron

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me…”    John 10:27

 
Every once in a while, I tell the story of how I met one of my closest and dearest friends; a man that would influence my life on many levels, including inviting me back to church. All because, I listened to that "still small Voice" and stepped out of character. I call it, The Umbrella Story.  

The weatherman had warned of rain for the last two days and so far, I had lugged my new super-sized umbrella for no reason. However, I decided I would take it with me on the third day anyway; because, chances were, if I didn't, it would rain "cats and dogs."  Late that evening, as I left the subway, there it was, rain. –Not just light rain drops, but a major downpour. –The kind where both the earth and your shoes are completely soaked. I noticed only one other person on the street, a young man wearing a raincoat and a very suave fedora walking ahead of me.  As the rain came down harder and harder, I felt quite lucky to have my trusty umbrella, and a little sorry for the guy in front of me getting pelted by the rain. 

I watched as the brim of that fedora went from sleek and suave, to wet and limp; finally, completely flopping, under the pressure of the rain. I truly felt sorry for him; he was getting soaked, and now the rain was coming down even harder! In any other town, it would have been a kind gesture to let a stranger under your umbrella; but, this was New York City!  It was too late, and we were the only ones on the street. Then a small Voice said, “Why don’t you let him under your umbrella?”  I don’t know where that Voice came from, but I quickly dismissed it! Yet, although I was feeling quite dry and wonderful under my big umbrella, my eyes kept watching the rain pelt the guy in front of me. Again, the small Voice said, “Why don’t you let him under your umbrella? It’s big enough for two.”  –Not listening, I began to walk faster. For some reason he slowed down, and I was able to pass him; my eyes scanning the flopped fedora that was now akin to a 1930’s flapper’s hat.   

Again the Voice came back with the same question. “Why don’t you let him under your umbrella?”  Feeling guilty and a little disgusted, I said out loud, “Fine! But if I end up dead on the streets of New York City it will be your fault!”  Then, I stopped and waited; I was already at least twenty paces in front of him, but I could hear his squishy footsteps coming closer.  “Excuse me; you look like you are getting soaked, would you like to come under the umbrella?  
A little stunned by my question, he said, “Uh? –Yes!”  And starting to laugh a little, he said, “I forgot my umbrella and was hoping it didn't rain.”  “Yeah,” I said, “I almost didn't bring mine; but, since I've been lugging it for the past two days, I figured—what’s one more day!”  We both laughed. “Well, I’m glad you did!” He said laughing. “OK,” I said, “Since you are much taller than I am, why don’t you hold it?”  “Oh, okay.”  He said, taking the umbrella; “—Wow! This is a big umbrella.”   “Yeah,” I said, feeling a little guilty that I had not invited him under the umbrella before he got soaked. “
I don’t know how far you are going, but I live in the first building right pass the light." I said, clearly seeing my destination in view.  “Oh that’s great!" He said. "–I live in the building right next door!”  "Of course," I thought to myself, "he would live right next door!"   

One year later, I was sitting in a new class and a young man in our study group asked if he could accompany me to the subway.  Although I was a little surprised, I said, “Yes.”  On the way, he began to tell me of a young woman who gave him shelter under her umbrella late one evening.  “That was you!” he said.  “No,” I said, shaking my head. “It could not have been me; I would never do anything so nice. It may have been my sister. She is a lot nicer and would let some unknown stranger under her umbrella.  I would have kept going. —So, you must be mistaken, I am sure it wasn't me!”  Although he insisted as we took the subway together, I adamantly denied this unmemorable event.  It was easy to dismiss the event because I sincerely believed it was clearly out of my character. “I’m getting off at the next stop.” I said, rising from my seat.  “I know,” He said, “I’m getting off also.” As we walked towards both our homes, it began to rain.  “Of course, I forgot my umbrella!”  He said, with some degree of exasperation.   “Oh, don’t worry,” I said teasing, “I have my umbrella, and —it’s big enough for two!”  As we got under that big umbrella and began walking home in the rain, it hit me.  “Oh my Goodness!  It was me!”  I said, screaming with laughter!  “I told you it was you!”  He said, laughing. 

We have been friends for over 20 years, and it is because of his urging that I found my way back to what would become my favorite church. He is an incredibly talented man, who I have never once regretted meeting; and, it is because of him that you are reading this story right now. So, just imagine for a moment what can happen when you listen to God’s Voice and do something that you consider out of character.   L. 

Study Reference: John 10:25-31
From: "Friendship In The Rain." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shangrila

"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.
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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: soletopia; model, alessandro manfredini

​“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: Jose L. Amalbert, The Colors of Silence

“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.  He answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:28-31


If God left your side today, would you still maintain your righteousness?  What about your integrity?  If God sat on the sidelines watching you, would He be proud of your actions?  What we do when others are watching is one thing: and, how we act when we think no one is watching is another. 

Do you remember when your parents left you alone for the first time?  If you were an only child, you were in charge of the house; or, if you were even a year older than your siblings were, you were responsible for their behavior.  You may have been the kind of child that lost his or her mind, tearing up the house, hoping to restore it back to splendor prior to your parents return, like the proverbial story of The Cat in The Hat.  On the other hand, you may have been the child who somehow turned into your parents and assumed the role of responsibility they believed you were capable of; either way, you had a choice, and clearly understood the consequences of your actions. 

As Christians, we are always under scrutiny. Our actions belie everything about us, especially when we believe no one is watching. Jesus offered a parable in Matthew 21:28-31 where he talks about two sons accepting the responsibility of working in the vineyard.  One says he will not work in the vineyard, but repents and does so. The other says he will, but does not. The question today is, which one is better? The Christian, who accepts the responsibility and principles of being a Christian and falls short, yet acknowledges his or her weakness, repenting to follow its principles once again. Or, the one who accepts the responsibility and acts accordingly in the presence of all, yet purposely continues to be evil in the dark when they believe no one is watching.  Well, a word to the wise—Beware!  Remember, —even when we believe no one is watching --God watches all.  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 21:28-32,  Matthew 23:28
From:"When No One Sees." n The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock 

​“Lead me in Thy Truth, and teach me; for Thou art the God of my Salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day.”  
Psalm 25:5


Ordinarily, when we want to find out how to use something that was created by a manufacturer, we refer to the manual; the more complex the product, the thicker the operating manual. The manual holds all the important operating factors, such as: improper use, product warnings, and any other critical details we need to know in order to operate the product perfectly. It is the designer’s way of making sure that we operate the product at its optimum. We openly accept the manual as the leading authority in making certain the product is used the way it was designed.

And yet, although it would make the most sense to read the manual first, most people believe they can operate the product without thoroughly reading the manual. So, we learn by trial and error, never quite experiencing what it means to use our machine at its ideal.  

It is the same concerning our manual –the Bible. Our Creator gave us an operating manual that leads us into all Truth concerning our lives; a manual that teaches us how to function, what to do when we malfunction, and how to reset our operating standard. It even includes the necessary steps needed for us to personally reconnect to our Main Power Source.  So, if we really want to know the truth about ourselves directly from our Creator, shouldn’t we read The Manual  first?  L.
​
**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.
​
Study Reference: Psalm 25:5
From: “Your Thoughts: Reading The Manual.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

"​Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you? O ye of little faith?  Therefore take no thought, saying what shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Wherewithal shall we be clothed? …For your Heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.” 
Matthew 6:30-33

 
As a society we have become so compartmentalized in our thinking, we somehow believe God is the same as we are.  We do not understand that our God is The God of all things; One who cares and encompasses all aspects of our lives, not just the tragedies, maladies, and emergencies.  

One day, while printing the newsletter for my church at the printer’s office, the salesman offered to take me to the other side of town where I could get a direct train home.  As it happens, we ended up working very late so he insisted that I take him up on his offer.  Then he said to me, “Furthermore, I might as well, because there is no way that I am going to get parking near my home; it is much too late. In my neighborhood, if you don’t get there early, it’s hard to find parking on the street; and, even if I get there at this time, I’ll never find parking on my block or near my home. It just never happens."   I thanked him for his offer and took the ride.  

While in the car, we began to talk more in-depth about God.  He told me that he didn't really believe God was in the mundane things of his life.  God had more important things to worry about than the episodes of his insignificant life. I explained that I believed just the opposite and began to explain my reasoning. We continued to speak in the car while he waited with me for the train.  Before I left the car, I asked him if I could pray for him and some of the issues he was going through that he had shared with me.  He agreed.  Before I closed the prayer I said, “And Lord, just so that he will know that you care deeply about all aspects of his life, please provide parking right in front of his building. Amen.”   He began to chuckle a little and said, “Do you really believe God will provide parking right in front of my house?”  “—Yes.” I said smiling “I know He will. —You just have to do one thing for me.”   I said, as I opened the door and got out of the car.  He looked at me quizzically and said, “What?”   I closed the door and looked at him through the passenger-side window, “Promise me that you will call me tomorrow and tell me where you found parking.”   He began to laugh.  “O.K., I’ll call you in the morning and tell you where I found parking.”  "—You promise?"  I asked again.  “I promise.” He said smiling.   As I heard my train coming, I waved goodbye and watched him drive away.  On the train ride home I prayed for him, his family, and the parking space again.  

 The next morning I received a call on my cell phone.  “Well, when you left the car, I looked at the time and said to myself, you’ll never find a parking space so late. You’ll have to search for the next half-hour just to find parking. —But, because I promised you, I decided to take a chance and ride through my block first. -You’ll never believe this,” He began to laugh, “—But as I approached the block, my building is in the middle of the block, there was a parking space right in front of my building! —I couldn't believe it!  I guess you were right; God really does care about the small mundane things.  —I have to remember that the next time I am looking for parking!”  I began to laugh.  “See, I told you! —God cares about everything in your life —everything!” 

It is important for us to remember that God cares deeply about every aspect of our lives, the gigantic and the minutia.  If we care about it, God cares about it.  If it bothers us, concerns us, or troubles our spirit, we have to remember to take it to God in prayer.  And yes, the prayer can be as simple and mundane as “Lord, please provide a parking space in front of my home.”  L.  

Study Reference: Matthew 6:30-33
From: "God, In The Mundane." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Joel Robison -fireflies

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans do the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans do so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.”     Matthew 5:44-48

 
Sometimes loving others is really difficult. You can share your love, your friendship, your time, your honesty, etc; and, it is repaid without regard to your love or life.  Whether you love the person romantically, platonically, or in kinship; you must honor and respect each person you call “friend, family, or love." It adds to your character and will eventually enhance your heart's capability.  If it is a family member, then be prepared to extend a quadruple dose of love.  Family can be the hardest to love; because, they know where all the tender spots are in your armor. 

Sometimes, there will be times when it really hurts to love someone; because, simply put, the other person just doesn't get it. They simply cannot understand why you have chosen to elevate them to a place of love and honor. However, we have to keep trying to extend our love until we get the hang of it. —Until it becomes so easy to love that, nothing anyone does can change it. 

And remember, although the act of love is supposed to be reciprocal, the art of loving someone is not necessarily done for them, it is done for you! —So, do not wait on reciprocity.  There will be times in your life when you will open your heart and receive nothing memorable in return. Yet, keep in mind that, it is your heart that you are empowering to exhibit the most powerful privilege in the universe —Love.  When you make the decision to love others, (and, it really is a decision), you literally link yourself to God’s Eternal Power, Jesus Christ.  Your love, whether it is acknowledged by others or not, when offered in Spirit and in Truth, truly does change everything!

Today, ask God to bless you in extending the privilege to Love as many people as possible, for as long as possible. It teaches you to extend your heart’s capacity to love; and, more importantly, it teaches you how to love others the way God loves you.  L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 5:44-48 
From: "Loving Others." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
​photo credit: silhouettes/bigstock

“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

 "But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid..."    Matthew 14:27-31


Generational strongholds exist in the lives of all human beings. These strongholds are passed down through a combination of community influences and family issues.  It is a level of fear inspired by many things; race, gender, community, class, etc.  I recently read about an experiment where the speaker asked two volunteers from his group to walk in opposite directions. Then he asked the group he was presenting the experiment to, to try to keep their eyes on both men. Of course, it was impossible. The onlookers had to make a choice on whom to keep their focus. The same concept exists in Christianity. You cannot keep your eyes positioned on Jesus Christ (faith) and the principles thereof, and keep your eyes on fear. Both fear and faith cannot live in the same spiritual realm within you, one must take precedence over the other. One may say, "We fear God." However, our fear is not of His power, we understand His omnipotence, but of His disappointment in us. (That’s another discussion for another day)

It's true; some of the strongholds that exist in our lives may keep us from repeating the failings of our parents, i.e. alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual misconduct, poor execution of finances, etc. But many times, it is simply fear. A disabling fear that stops us from accomplishing all that God wants us to accomplish. A fear that secretly tells us that we are not worthy of fulfilling God’s desire for our lives. Why should we allow F.E.A.R. (false evidence appearing real) to dictate the Divine purpose God has created for each of us?

It goes back to the story of Peter seeing Jesus walking on water. As long as he kept his eyes focused on Jesus he was fine; however, as soon as he began focusing on his surroundings, in this case, the rolling ocean, a perfect metaphor for the inherent drama of life, he immediately began to sink. (Matthew 14:24-32)

So remember, your surroundings are irrelevant; your bloodline is irrelevant. The uncertainties of the future are irrelevant. The stronghold that may be gripping your family, your life, or your past is irrelevant. Release your fear, keep your eyes focused on Jesus Christ, and fulfill your Divine purpose. L. 

Study Reference: Matthew 14:27-31
From: "Releasing Fear." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: huffpost

"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: mountaintop

"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

 
"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