"Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I am come into deep waters where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying; my throat is dried; mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”     Psalm 69:1-3 

 
I met a young woman who was admitted into the hospital because she was at the end of her rope, literally.  She had tried to do the unthinkable by deciding to end her life in an attempted suicide.  When I heard the surface details of her life, she should have been proud; her accomplishments would have made anyone proud. Yet somehow she became so disconnected from God that taking her life seemed her only option.  

The day I met her, she had already received counseling, medication, and some much needed attention from more healthy souls.  When I made an attempt to pronounce her name correctly, she smiled a beautiful shy smile, and said, Perfect!”      “What a beautiful name,” I said, “--What does it mean?”     She looked at me for a moment and quietly said, “A river runs through heaven.”   I repeated the words, “…a river runs through heaven…, --how beautiful!”  

My eyes began to well with tears; I knew why she was there, and although I wasn't supposed to get involved, I looked at her and said, “You are a blessed child and well loved.  When you were born, your mother looked into your eyes, saw your beautiful face and declared… a river runs through heaven.”  She beamed with the innocent smile of a young girl.  I continue to remember her beautiful smile even now as I write this, and my eyes easily well up with tears. Think of it; a river running through heaven—holy replenishment from God. Not simply well water, or rain, but clean refreshing water moving rapidly to find you and replenish your soul—a river running through heaven.   I came home with her on my mind and have decided to take the time to pray for her every day until the burden leaves me.  

Young people are more prone to suicide than most people are aware; they are especially sensitive to their surroundings, to other people, and those they love. After her suicide attempt, the counselors asked her what prompted her attempt to take her life. She told them that she missed her home and the love of her family. So remember, just because someone seems to have it together, does not mean they do.  Take the time to ask young people about their feelings.  Share God’s Word of Life with them. But more importantly, remember to open your heart and share God’s Love with them.   L.

Study Reference: Psalm 69:1-3 
From: "A River Runs Through Heaven." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: wallpaper.com

**I recently watched two short videos concerning this topic on TED.com that I would like you to watch; JD Schramm, “Break the Silence of Suicide Attempt Survivors;” and, Kevin Briggs, “The Bridge Between Suicide & Life.” You can watch both videos on our  Media page.  When I wrote this daily, I truly felt led by the Spirit to write about this topic. At the time, I did not know that every 30 seconds in the world, someone attempts suicide. So, if this person is you or someone you know, please, please, please, talk to someone—friend, family, clergy, or anyone you believe you can trust for help.  Scream…”I need HELP!”  And, if they still somehow cannot understand that you are truly spiraling downward, please call a taxi, walk into the emergency room of a major hospital and personally tell a nurse or physician the truth about how you feel.  Check yourself in for the night; they will take care of you until you are ready to leave.  You really have no idea how many people truly care about you, and how much they can help you. Know that you are stronger than depression or suicide! -YOU can get better!  

Be aware, medication is not for everyone. Although I am not a physician; I believe some medications make those that are depressed worse than they were before they began taking them.  So, be wary.  Talk to someone!  Speak up!  Share how you are feeling with someone!  You are not alone! God truly does love YOU! And He meant for YOU to LIVE!   
-L.C.

*In the U.S. call the: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or click the link below. 
This is a free, 24-hour hotline service available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you prefer to be online, or if you are Outside the U.S., talk with someone directly on their website. Just click this link: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org   

*Also, if you need to learn how to help someone that you believe may be in distress, check out the website for more info: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org ​​

 “Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy Paths.”     Psalm 25:4


Although God’s Path is perfect for us, it may not be as sexy or even as exciting as the alternative. Each day we make the choice to either follow God’s desire for our life or to follow our own.  The selection can be the result of our own tenaciousness to follow God; or, it can be the outcome of a failure to select wisely the first time around.  Either way, we will eventually learn that God’s Will, will be done.  Sometimes we select God’s Path simply because, we get so tired of selecting the wrong one so often that, we make the decision to go against our own natural inclination of selecting the wrong choice.  So, as a result, we end up asking ourselves WWJD –what would Jesus do? Just to keep ourselves on track, and going in the right direction.  
 
The Bible calls God’s Path, the narrow road; or, more poetically, "the road less traveled."  It is called this simply because, not everyone will make the decision to travel its path.  Unlike the winding detour-filled path of the wider road, the narrow road can appear straight with few, if any, detours.  At the beginning, when looking at the two roads, we can become bedazzled by all the twists and turns of the wider road; believing that, all the twists and turns will mean there is a world of excitement ahead. Young, silly, and confused, we often select the wider road. Although in hindsight, the distinctions between the two roads were easy to see.   

In the end, the choice will be yours to decide; will it be your way, or God’s Way?  If you are just starting out and trying to make a decision, this is a pretty straight forward question with very little camouflage.  
​–The answer will be determined, by just how battered  or blessed you want your life to be.  L.

Study Reference: Psalm 25:4
From: Your Thoughts: “The Road Less Traveled.”  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: WordPress
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​“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”            
Ephesians 6:18-20
 

Have you ever wanted to give up praying for someone who you thought was lost? —Maybe for someone who would never make it into God's house, much less His Kingdom?  One day, after our usual after church luncheon, we sat at the dining table having a very lively discussion concerning our pastor's sermon on "vision." 
​As the discussion continued, there was a knock at the door.  When our host opened the door, a young woman with a beaming smile asked, "Can I speak to you for a moment?"   Thinking that she might know the young woman’s family, our host said, "Sure, come in!    After the young woman came into the house, the entire group greeted her.  When she saw the group seated at the table, she turned smiling to our host and said, "Are you Christians?"   Our host, smiling back said, "—Yes!"  The young woman beamed even wider and said, "So am I, I go to the new church up the street, but I couldn't sit in there any longer knowing that there are so many people outside the church who need to know about Jesus. So a group of us decided to walk door-to-door instead of going to our afternoon youth meeting." 

We continued speaking with this young woman as she gave her testimony regarding how she came to know Jesus Christ. Let's just say, although she was the product of a Christian home, for years, she was the intent focus of her mother's prayers and bouts of fasting.  Surprisingly,  it turns out, our host knew her mother, although she had never met our young visitor. As she continued to speak, we realized that we all knew her brother, an amazing young pastor. This young woman, the product of her mother's prayers, pleas, and God’s amazing Grace, was the one that God chose to place an overwhelming Spirit to leave the confines of the pews, to personally go out into the neighborhood, and tell others about Christ. 

Don’t give up on those you pray for; maintain an eternal view of any and all circumstances that you may be faced with. The passion God has for your life and the lives of those you pray for is no comparison to a circumstance.  
--So, go ahead, pray for them again!  L.

Study Reference: Ephesians 6:18-20   
From: "A Knock At The Door."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo:  bstatic

“Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, faint not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”         Isaiah 40:28-31


"Wait upon the Lord!..,"  that's what all the preachers say.

Many years ago I read, Book of Angels, by Sophie Burnham. It was in reference to the angels mentioned in the Torah, the Bible, and other religious writings. One angel in particular is an angel whose entire body and wingspan is covered in eyes; and every time an eye blinks, it records the passing of a human being. As you can imagine, thousands of eyes continuously blink per millisecond, going off like tiny little flashes of twinkling lights. And still the preachers say, "Wait upon the Lord."   We look at the children who were born just the other day, and think to ourselves, "Could they really be thirteen now?"  And still we hear, "Wait!" Then one day it hits us! Our own personal revelation after tons of trials, errors, false starts, and bad finishes. The reason we wait upon the Lord is, it actually saves us time! I know, you're saying, "UH?"  Well, think of it this way.

Imagine you are in a car traveling miles, and you just passed the last opportunity to exit. After 30 miles you realize you are going in the wrong direction. You now have to travel even farther to gain access to the next exit which will allow you to get back to the road you were actually supposed to be on in the first place. So, let's do the math; 30 miles in the wrong direction, 30 miles to go back to the starting point, and 30 miles to get where you were actually going in the first place. Hmmm.., 90 miles for a 30-mile trip.

I know what you are thinking; we need a GPS!   Yes, that was the point!   We need God's Positioning System to get it right the first time. So as the preachers like to say, “Wait upon the Lord;” it will save you time in the long run!  L.

Study Reference: Isaiah 40:28-31
From:"Wait!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

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​"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”  
1 Peter 3:8-9
 

Several years ago, I watched as ABC’s Nightline featured  a story about Mitch Albom and his book, Tuesdays with Morrie.  Mitch Albom, an acclaimed writer for the NY Times and a former student of Morrie Schwartz, learned that his former sociology professor was dying from a type of sclerosis called, ALS.  It appears ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) slowly robs the body's motor functions until the entire body finally shuts down. When the series began, Morrie could move his upper body; by the time the series ended, he could barely move his lips to speak.  The book chronicles the final two years of his life and the wisdom he imparts to his former student. The series, like the book, is extremely emotional; and, throughout the series Morrie explains his own emotional turmoil concerning his imminent death.  

Here's the thing I found compelling. During one of the final segments of the broadcast series, Mitch Albom asks Morrie, “What is the one thing you feel people should know?”  He thought for a second and said, “Be compassionate.” As I sat listening to the broadcast, I thought about the brilliance in the statement! Have more compassion for each other. It is a simple statement; yet, oftentimes we find it difficult to do.

Some of us confuse compassion with love. Compassion is not like love.  Love is intrinsic unto itself; you either have it or you don't.  Compassion however, can be acquired.  It is complete empathy. The understanding that you may not like the person, or their viewpoint, or their religion, or their accent, or their country, or their ...whatever; but, somehow you can offer them a glass of water when they are thirsty, food when they are hungry, and help when they cannot help themselves. Compassion compels us to make an empathetic connection between our worse enemy and ourselves.  

Morrie’s statement was one of the last things he was able to say before his death. 
Compassion, a word found 41 times in our Bible from Exodus to Jude, offers a slight glimpse into the very Spirit of God; the very Heart of Jesus Christ.  Shouldn't we at least try to offer as much of it as possible?  L.  

Study Reference: 1 Peter 3:8-9, Psalm 78:38-39
From: "Compassion." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Laurent Baheux

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​“LORD, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. ...So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”   Psalm 90:1, 12

 
 As I wrote today’s Daily, I thought about all the irrelevant things we focus on that have no impact on our spiritual development.  It’s so easy for us to get entangled with the minutia; those little things thrown in our path, to keep us from maintaining the principles that are supposed to govern our lives. For those of us who are from other countries, it is difficult not to get entangled in the infamous net of avarice called, “The American Dream;” a type of greed that simply begets wanting more, more—and yet some more. We watch others to determine where we stand, so that we can base our self-esteem on whether we are doing better or worse than our neighbor. If you are happy, and know that you are a child of God, you are already doing a whole lot better than many of your neighbors!

Oseola McCarty, at 87 years old in 1995, gave her entire life savings to the University of Southern Mississippi. It was to be used as a scholarship for underprivileged students experiencing financial difficulty. For those of you who have never heard of her, Ms. McCarty, an African-American washerwoman, donated $150,000 earned from payments of one-dollar bills and coins, saved over her lifetime from washing other people clothes by hand. When her bank called her to ask how she wanted the money allocated upon her death, she told them she wanted the entire sum donated to the University of Southern Mississippi, while she was still alive.  

The reason this story is so intriguing, is because, she was a woman from very humble circumstances.  She lived in a tiny house in rural Mississippi; one of the few places in the U.S. where you can still find outdoor plumbing and few modern amenities. She had a black and white television, broadcasting only one channel; a rotary telephone, no car, no cell phone, and definitely no iPad; just a scotched-taped Bible and air conditioned shoes.  —You know, the kind with the holes in the bottom and the toes out. Yet somehow, she was able to think about the plight of African-American students, having problems paying their tuition, to stay in a college she herself had so desperately wanted to attend. When her neighbors and friends heard about the amount of money she had accumulated, they urged her to use her savings to take a cruise, or at least, a much needed vacation; however, she insisted on the scholarship. Because of her selfless act, a local businessman matched her gift to the university, increasing the gift’s value to $300,000.  When her initial gift was announced on the local evening news, it gained national attention from every conceivable type of press and publication. She appeared on several nationally syndicated talk shows on every major network; and was invited to the White House by the Clinton Administration. Traveling via limousines, she was given world-class accommodations at hotels, cruise ships, and so much more than the original $150,000 could have possibly bought.  By Ms. McCarty’s death in 1999, there were so many other contributions to her scholarship fund that, school administrators estimated that her gift would continue helping students far into an “indefinite future.” 

 There may be a time in your life when you will be asked to give away what appears to be the most valuable thing in your life.  Know that if the request comes from God, you will gain so much more than you could possibly imagine.

Love God, live well, love much, and laugh often. Take the time to remember, life is not that deep! Take the time to be kind, and to show compassion to those who need it. Ask God for forgiveness, allow His forgiveness to take hold in your life, and forgive yourself for whatever you believe you have done. Life is so fleeting, so temporary; we waste a lot of it on irrelevancy. Stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and allow the breath of God to renew, and replenish your life.  L. 

Study Reference: Psalm 90
From:"Giving It All Away." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Reaction

“And when ye will offer a sacrifice of Thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer [it] at your own will.  On the same day it shall be eaten up; ye shall leave none of it until the morrow: I [am] the LORD.”    Leviticus 22:29-30
“...Saying, Amen: Blessing, and Glory, and Wisdom, and Thanksgiving, and Honor, and Power, and Might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”     Revelation 7:12

 
In The U.S., we are celebrating Thanksgiving; a national holiday set aside as a reminder to thank God for blessing our nation and all its residents. We thank Him for the bad times, and the good. We thank Him for the things that look like blessings; yet, are really lessons.  And, for those things that we believe are lessons, that eventually turn out to be blessings.  We thank Him for the things we take for granted, like clean water, food, shelter, and each other. We thank Him for abundance, even if we do not have it as yet. We thank Him for the clothing we wear, even if by modest standards, we barely wear any. We thank Him for the opportunity to be able to thank and honor His presence in our lives. We thank Him for the health and wellbeing of our friends, family, and ourselves. But mostly, we thank Him for the opportunity to commune with those we truly love, one more time; even, if they get on our very last nerve!  We thank Him for teaching us how to persevere, love and forgive others.  And, most of all, we thank Him for His Grace, Love, Forgiveness, Mercy, and Favor.   
 
For those of you who truly understand God’s Love in your life, even in the midst of your most arduous circumstances, May God’s Light continue to shine through you, and for you. May the abundance of His Peace, Love, Grace, Mercy, Favor, and Forgiveness; find you and every member of your family.  
 
And, just in case I have forgotten to personally thank YOU; then, I would truly like to take this opportunity to thank you whether you have been reading, In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living, for one day; or, since the beginning of the year. It is with sincere gratitude that I thank YOU for taking the time to read these words and for being a part of this journey with me! – Thank you once again, and Much Love from my family to YOURS. -L.

Study Reference: Leviticus 22:29-30, Revelation 7:12
From: "Thanksgiving: My Gratitude." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Olga Osipova ​

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“...And Jesus departed from there, and came near unto the Sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto Him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and He healed them.”     Matthew 15:29-30
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As I read the passage for today’s daily devotion, I realized that when Jesus was near the Sea of Galilee speaking to the multitude of 4000 men, not counting the women and children, those listening to Him had been with Him for three days without food.  As we can imagine, the people must have been so rapt by the teachings and healing miracles taking place, that their spiritual fulfillment and physical nourishment came from what they heard and saw in the presence of Jesus, and not from what is considered physical food.  Nevertheless, Jesus turned to His Disciples in Matthew 15:32 and said: 

"I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."

Jesus' statement, “I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”  encourages Believers  to remember that, when we pray and fast, seriously awaiting an answer from God about the life issues we are faced with; and, we are prepared to see the miracle of His Word take form,—we will receive an answer. —We will not be sent away unfed or unfulfilled.  The act of fasting for three days, maintaining God's Word through the body's spiritual gates of what we see and hear will only strengthen our resolve and maintain our spiritual focus. 

So, if you are having some degree of difficulty reaching a level of clarity about an issue affecting your life, maybe it's time for you to try prayer, reading, and fasting.  It removes the cobwebs cluttering your mind, the unnecessary debris clogging up your body, and releases your spirit to access God more fully.  —Not to mention, receiving an answer that just might change the entire direction of your life.  L.

Study Reference: Matthew 15:29-39
From: "Fed & Fulfilled." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo:  bigstock

“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.”    Psalm 4:5


When I consider a sacrifice of righteousness, it means that, although some things can seem socially appealing or even innocent to do, if God has asked me not to do it, I trust that in obeying Him, it will ultimately be to my benefit    –no matter how I feel  at the moment.

Yet, there are times when our sacrifice will be in our willingness to change the trajectory of our current life’s path. At other times, it may mean dismissing someone or something from our life, so that we can live a life fueled by the Will of God.  Ultimately, it can be as simple as prayer & fasting, or as radical as selling everything you own, and moving to another country to enact His Will.  In Romans 12:1  the Bible actually indicates that we have a reasonable  sacrifice to maintain our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. This means that we have a basic duty to truly take care of our bodies; and, to praise, pray, and worship God with our life and our deeds.

What about you? What does it mean to you to offer sacrifices of righteousness?

After reading today’s verse, you may be wondering how offering God a sacrifice of righteousness could ever aid you in developing a deeper relationship with God. –Well, it’s actually a very basic premise. We only sacrifice ourselves for the things we deeply need, or those we truly love.  L.

**Consider writing out what today's verse means to you, not simply a translation of the text; but, as God's personal promise to you.​

​Study Reference: Psalm 4:5
From: “Your Thoughts: Reasonable Sacrifice.” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: Google images

​ "...O keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in Thee.”   ​Psalm 25:20


In The Master’s Hands has several devotions on the book of Job; however, Job is not my favorite book of the Bible.
I love the prose and the poetry penned as Job is questioning God. The writing is absolutely beautiful.  And, I especially love when God responds.  I find it fascinating that God actually pauses to ask Job, “Where were YOU when I laid the foundation of the earth?  Who shut up the sea with doors when it broke forth as if it had issued out of the womb?  -Were YOU there ...When I wrapped it in swaddling cloth... and said, here shall thou come, but no further... Here shall your proud waves be stayed!” 

So yes, I am fascinated that the sea does not break forth as tsunamis each and every day, on every continent, on every island, killing all non-swimming life on the planet.  And yes, it is with pride that I believe in God and the promises of His Word.  It is with pride, and sometimes, much too proudly, that I put my trust in Him and prompt others to do the same.  –But, sometimes, like Job, God will question us.  Sometimes, God will ask us, “Were YOU there?”   Sometimes, He will shame us into understanding that, He is not at our command; we are at His.  And, no matter how wonderfully arrayed we are displayed, to Him, we are but dust.  It is the reason that, as Christians, we come to Him under the covering of Jesus. 

So Beloved, there will be times when you've put your trust in God; times when you've prayed, plead, begged, supplicated, pondered, confessed, cried, screamed; or, even been shamed into understanding that, sometimes, you simply will not get what you want, when YOU want it. –It is God's way of asking you, "Were YOU there ...?"  L.

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

Study Reference: Psalm 25:20
From: “Your Thoughts: Were You There?"In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

"...Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statues, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.”     Ezekiel 36:25-26
 

Upon our baptism as adults, after we have been baptized of the Holy Spirit, we are cleansed of all filthiness and idolatry in our lives.  It means that we have received a fresh start to our lives and no stronghold will imprison us again.  It means we have received power from without to eliminate anything God does not want within.  That was the good news! 

The issue is, we must now make a conscious effort to call on the Holy Spirit to continuously aid us in resisting the temptations which can haunt our memories.  We must call on the Spirit to guide us in overcoming and resisting the memories and weaknesses of the past.  The more we do this, the more we learn to resist past temptations.  The more we practice, like everything else, the better we become at it.  It may also mean that we will have to change those people around us who are still caught in the ravages of the things we left behind.  Because, either they will continuously remind us of our past, or they will attempt to pull us back into the same pathology we elected to leave behind when we decided to follow Jesus Christ.  Furthermore, keep in mind, those who attempt to pull us back into the things we left behind are not bad.  Many times they just do not believe that we have changed, and/or they simply fall into the old adage of, “misery loves company.”  Either way, it becomes a level of power and control on your life that most people will not relinquish easily. 

Also keep in mind, many times you will not be able to have both; the thing you left behind, and the new thing God is enacting in you.  We can relate it to an attempt at keeping both eyes focused on two cars going in opposite directions.  Although easily achievable for most birds, it is an impossible feat for humans; we must make a choice to only follow one car. 

It will not matter who or what it is you leave behind when you decide to follow God; God is “no respecter of persons, powers, or principalities.”  If it is someone who truly loves you, he/she will understand your need to transition your life in the direction God commands.  If they do not understand, they will not be able to help you in the process anyway, so let them go.  Eventually, when you have gone through God’s transition period, and you are strong enough to resist the temptations of the past, God may use you to lead others lost in the ravages of your former pathology back to Him.  

God expects us to call on the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in righteousness and truth.  Jesus knew and understood how difficult it was going to be for us to remain on course after our baptism, so He gave us help.  He is our Comforter; the One who aids us in overcoming temptation or any other battles we may face.  Remember to ask for guidance and the strength to overcome; because, no matter how terrible things are, or how horrible you may be feeling, The Comforter will come to you when you call on Him.  L.

Study Reference: Ezekiel 36:25-26, John 16:4-16 
From: "Accepting Power!"  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo: squarespace

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“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” 
Psalm 147:3
 
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Have you ever had to help someone go through the healing process of mending a broken heart?  Maybe the person with the broken heart was you, or someone you loved. 
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Although love is by far, the most joyful thing we crave as human beings, it can also be the most painful. It is both remarkable and perplexing how something that can so easily empower us to be our best selves, could also cause us to sink to our lowest depths. —​What can possibly heal a broken heart? 

Physicians tell us, most wounds to the body can be repaired; some through natural healing, and others through surgical intervention. However, our heart is different; it is our center, the part that needs the most protection from those who may attempt to destroy us. So, it is important to remember, if we are damaged by a direct hit to the heart, it can be a fatal blow, both physically and figuratively. 

In Proverbs 4:23 the Bible says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” When we choose to offer our heart to someone, that person needs to handle it gently, carefully, with truth, respect, and love. It is our most vulnerable place, the epicenter of our mind, body, and spirit. When it is damaged, it is difficult to repair both physically and mentally. Does this mean you should not freely love with your whole heart?  On the contrary, when you give or receive love, you are your most powerful self. However, guard your whole heart diligently, because therein also lies your weakness.  Know to whom you are offering one of your most precious gifts—your love. 

Nevertheless, just in case you have done all of this and somehow you still end up with a broken heart, know that God understands the depth of your pain and will remain close to you until you are healed. God promises in Psalm 34 that, He “... is near unto them that are of a broken heart, and saves those of a broken spirit.” And, in today’s verse, we are reminded that “…He heals the broken hearted and binds their wounds.”  So...
What can possibly heal a broken heart?  —God’s love!   L.
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Study Reference: Psalm 147:3, Psalm 34:18, Proverbs 4:23
 From: "A Broken Heart."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: science-all

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“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”  
Hebrews 10:23-24


It is a little eerie when a scripture stays in your head and continues to appear unexpectedly. Some time ago, in church, we had an enormous breakthrough during a spirit-filled “High” Holy Day. It began with an Elder’s reading of Habakkuk 3:17-19, and was paired with her ardent prayers and supplication to God based on those three verses. It culminated with a brilliant sermon, filled with the Hope of God and God’s Love for humanity. This scripture has stayed with me since, and has prompted me to look at the cycle of our relationship with God. 

At the beginning of our romance with God, we begin the dating process superficially —He looks good; and, it feels good to be with Him. Many times whatever we want—we get; but for the most part, without really getting into the depth of faith necessary to sustain a great long-lasting relationship. However, as we continue to date God, there are times when our desires will not be advantageous to Him, and how we react to not receiving our desire will make all the difference whether or not we develop the depth of faith necessary to remain faithful in a crisis. (Isn't it the same in a human relationship? Don’t we really want someone who is there for us in a crisis —someone who doesn't run or waver at the first sign of trouble?) 

Habakkuk 3:17-19, is one of those passages invoking Christians to offer praise and thanksgiving unto God, even though we are unable to see the visual manifestations of His Love in our lives. It is quite powerful because, it offers the opportunity and insight to accept our circumstances with the understanding that God still cares no matter how great our obstacles, trials, or tribulations may appear. You can imagine it as the book of Job in three verses. “Yea, though Thou slay me, I will still believe.”  It is a powerful reminder of God’s Love affair with mankind, and an affirmation of our love to Him.  God’s Faithfulness is unquestionable; we know that God will come through for us in a crisis! Our faith however, can waver like the wind.

Take the time to remind yourself of God’s blessings in your life, and give thanks whether you can see the visual manifestations of His love or not. It will not only strengthen your relationship, but it will increase your depth of faith so, when necessary, like all real relationships, you can come through for Him in a crisis.  L.

Study Reference: Habakkuk 3:17-19, Hebrews 10:22-24
From:"Faithful In A Crisis." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell ​
photo credit: living well ministries

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

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

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

“Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up; he, fighting daily oppresses me.  Mine enemies would daily swallow me up, for they are many that fight against me, O Thou Most High.  Although I am afraid, I will trust Thee.  In God will I praise His Word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”   Psalm 56:1-4  

 
There are times when we feel so under sieged by life, we can feel as if we have nowhere to go, and no one to speak to. It can feel as if there are powers working against us everywhere. The oppression leads to depression, loneliness, and despair.  It becomes hard to reach out to others because trust, on so many levels, becomes questionable.  What can we do? 

Before the Israelites crowned David as a king, God anointed him as a warrior; a warrior who singlehandedly killed hundreds. Yet, he was the one who, while under siege by his enemies, wrote the words found in today’s verse. So, even if you are an anointed warrior, there are times when you will get tired of fighting,–exhausted of living a life under oppression. Understandably, living a life of war, unrest, and chaos, eventually has to get tiring. We were originally meant to live in the midst of God’s original peace, with our minds at rest, basking in the beauty and glory of God’s Love. Unlike David, we may not live within the ravages of war, continuously fighting enemies on every front. Yet, many of us live lives oppressed by daily war and unrest right in the midst of our own households, jobs, and relationships. We are exhausted from ongoing bouts of mental anguish, and pounced on by unending battles that steal our peace and wear us down.   

There are some people who like to fight. In many instances fighting with others distract us from delving deeper into ourselves to find the core root of an issue. It becomes easier to blame others for the oppression and depression that lies somewhere inside ourselves. It allows our focus to shift from the person in the mirror to someone in the flesh. Yet, this is not the path to peace. When we find ourselves fighting with everyone in our midst, about everything in our lives, it is time to start looking within; this is the only place to find the root of spiritual chaos.  

When you find yourself in the midst of spiritual chaos, it is time to renew your focus, get on your knees, and speak openly to the One who will guide you through the unfamiliar territory that is a depth of peace.  In today’s verse, David asks God to be merciful to him. He recognizes his own shortcomings and pleads with God for mercy. He places his fears before God with the understanding that, God will accept his fears and replace it with peace. Once you have given your fears to God, He squelches your spiritual chaos. Your inner peace becomes so powerful, you will fear no man, power, or principality. Once you emerge from bent knees in supplication to God, you will deeply understand your connection to Him through Jesus Christ, gaining the balm of a peaceful spirit.  Then, like David, you will be able to say with conviction, the words found at the end of Psalm 56:11-13: 

“In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.  Thy vows are upon me, O God. I will render praises unto Thee. For Thou has  delivered my soul from death; will not Thou deliver my feet from falling that I may walk before God in the Light of the living?”   L. 

Study Reference: Psalm 56
From: "Oppressed?" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

​"For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begins with us, what shall the end be for them that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”    1 Peter 4:17-18 

 
It is interesting to note that when God planned the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, he began with judging the righteous first—the people who profess to believe in God.  It doesn't sound familiar?   Then let’s look it up. 
In Genesis 18:23-26, Abraham asks God, 

“Will Thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure, there be fifty righteous within the city; will Thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from Thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked; and that the righteous should get as the wicked, that be far from Thee; shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"

In a more modern version it would say, “Lord, suppose there were only fifty righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah, would You destroy the righteous with the wicked?"  And of course, God responds,

“If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”

So, an entire nation would have been spared if fifty righteous people existed in Sodom and Gomorrah.  Most of us already know the dismal end of this story. Abraham, wondering if God will find fifty people, negotiates the number of the righteous down to ten people.  So, God promises Abraham if He finds ten—ten righteous people in the nation of Sodom and Gomorrah, he will spare the entire nation.  We can imagine that God, being God, searches the hearts of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and after not finding ten people who within their hearts stand on the side of righteousness, He destroys the two cities and its inhabitants. 

Let’s fast forward to today’s world. In our fast paced era with all its bells and whistles, fast cars and fast people; quick fixes and hot tempers; high tech and low standards--where do you fit?  Many of us spend far too much time looking at, and complaining about, the routines of non-Christians and those who do not believe in God.  When in fact, we should be paying attention to the caveat found in today's verse, remembering that when the time comes, we will be judged first, not them.  Will we be found righteous in the eyes of God or as the verse says, scarcely saved?    

So, the question today is, if God approached a beloved human being today, the same way he appeared to Abraham, and told him or her that He planned on destroying your city tomorrow; would your city and its inhabitants be saved because of you? —Or, would you ignite the flame that burns the city?  L.  

Study Reference: 1 Peter 4:17-18, Genesis 18
From: "Starting With Us." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: istock

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

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

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

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

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

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​“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.”
Psalm 39:4


There was a friend of my family who was diagnosed with the “C” word; her doctors gave her only 6 months to 1 year to live. She prayed, asking God for the opportunity to see her young children finish High School.  Twenty-three years later, she not only lived long enough to see both of her children graduate, she lived to take two of her grandchildren to school. 

But, there’s more. Twenty-three years later, the young physician who gave her the final valuation on her life, told her that she had only two weeks to live, at best; not knowing that she herself would not live to see those two weeks because of a freak accident.  Our friend had not only outlived her diagnoses, she also outlived several of her physicians.  

Today’s verse reminds us that we are all terminal no matter how long we live. We measure our days because it keeps us on track to complete the things we need to complete in the time allotted to us.  But remember; only God determines our end. In Isaiah 38:4-5, Hezekiah asked God for more time, and God gave him 15 more years. He gave our friend 23 more years.  

So, to the person who really needed this reminder today, remember to pray and ask God for what you need; because, all things are possible with God, even more time!   L.  

**Now it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today's verse in your journal.
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Study Reference: Psalm 39:4, Isaiah 38:4-5
From: "Your Thoughts: The Measure of Our Days." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

“For we are saved by hope; but hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for what we see not, then do we, with patience, wait for it.”    Romans 8:24-25
 

In 1873, Horatio Gates Spafford, a wealthy lawyer and real estate owner, wrote the hymn, It is Well With My Soul, a beloved hymn for many Christians. However, most people do not know how he came to write such a powerful hymn. 

After the Great Chicago Fire in the United States in 1871, Mr. Spafford, like most real estate owners in Chicago, lost almost everything he owned; however, he was grateful to have his family intact; Anna, his wife, and their four young daughters.  Two years later, in an effort at giving his family a much needed retreat, he planned a family vacation to Europe on the steamship, Ville du Havre.

On November 22, 1873,  the day the entire family was to set sail to Europe, Mr. Spafford, delayed by a business venture, sent his wife and four daughters ahead, with plans to meet them in Europe once he concluded his business.  Unfortunately, while the ship was crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the Ville du Havre, was hit by another ship. Over 200 people died in the wreckage including Mr. Spafford’s four young daughters, all under the age of eleven.  Although his wife survived the sunken wreckage, all his daughters were gone.  It is said that he wrote, It is Well With My Soul, while sailing the same route as his wife and daughters.

If you have ever sung the lyrics to, It is Well With My Soul, you already know that it stirs up the spirit of clarity, somberness, finality and peace.  Although the original title of the song was Ville Du Havre, taken from the name of the steamship, it is best known as, It Is Well With My Soul.  In the song there were originally five stanzas; however, over the years, some stanzas have been omitted depending on your hymnal and denomination.  For those who do not know the words, take some time to read/ listen to the stanzas [in the video] below.
 
We are saved by hope, not hope that is evident; or, hope that is seen; if it were apparent, we would not need faith to attain it.  It is the Hope of God that pulls us through tragedy and sorrow; and, our knowledge that, in our faith, full and focused, we will overcome any sorrows that may come into our lives.  If you really believe this, like Horatio Gates Spafford, you will be able to say, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well, with my soul.'”   L.

Study Reference: Romans 8:24-25
From: "It Is Well With My Soul." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
*From the album, "Together for the Gospel Live" from Sovereign Grace Music. 
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​"For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.”        Hebrews 2:16-18

 
At some level we are both teachers and students simultaneously.  All pain, trials, tribulations, and triumphs are so that you can learn from the experience and teach others through your experience. 

There are some of us who must learn through the experience of "fire," and those of us who learn through the experience of understanding. For example, we offer the same caveat to two children, "Don't put your hand over the flame, it will burn you!"  The first child assesses the fire, understanding that the flame usually heats, chars, or completely burns food. He considers the warning, and understands that his hand will also burn.  On the other hand, the second child also assesses the flame, but thinks he can outwit the flame by moving his hand quickly. So, he tests the flame to see how long it will take for his hand to burn.  One child understands through the experience of the teacher, the other has to learn by his own unique experience. Which one are you?  

It took me a long time to realize that we need both types of people. One to reiterate the pain of the experience, and one to understand through empathy so the action will not be repeated.  Showing the scars of charred skin is a much more powerful deterrent than simply saying, "Don't touch the fire, it will burn you!"  Jesus Christ took on both the experience and the empathy so that He could understand the plight and temptation of mankind when He spent 40 days and nights under the temptation of Satan.

So, if your life prior to becoming a Christian is somewhat violent, extreme, painful, checkered, etc., and you are afraid to tell others of your life experience prior to becoming a Christian, think about this.  Will your unique experience help someone who may be, have been, or, is on the verge of, repeating a similar experience to your own life make the necessary detour to come to Christ?  If so, start by telling them your story.  L.

Study Reference: Hebrews 2:9-18 
From: "Experience vs. Empathy." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo:  Kim Geldenhuys