​           ​"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.”    Matthew 5:8


We often speak about King David when we speak about a turmoil of faith; however, we really do not need to go as far back as King David to understand the turmoil of faith; we can simply look within our own hearts. Our acts of faith deeply test every preconceived notion of what or who we believe God is. If you believe God is merciful, you will test and confirm His mercy. If you believe He is benevolent, you will test and confirm His benevolence. If you believe He is... you will test and confirm. 

A few days before Christmas I, along with an entire subway car full of riders, became the captive audience of a "fire and brimstone, death and destruction” Christian, who felt inclined to speak about the end of the world. Many of the things he said were true as found in the book of Revelation. However, it was two days before Christmas. Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to speak about the Love of God, at a time when a significant amount of people in the world planned to celebrate the Love and birth of Jesus Christ? —A time when he could possibly reach out to those who did not know Christ?  —Or, where he could speak to those who may not have had their families and who were alone for the holidays? 

Yes, fire and brimstone have their significance, and there is a good possibility that he was sent like Jonah to warn the populace. However, more riders would have been inclined to accept his literature had he prompted their soul's quest for the Love of God, as opposed to their common fear of death and destruction. Yet, I have to believe the wrath of fire and brimstone is how our captor saw God. 

Your depth of faith has a direct correlation to how you view God. Ask yourself this, do you really believe your prayers will be answered? Is He truly Omnipotent? Are there limitations to His power?  —​Does God really Love You?
How you see God is a direct reflection of your life's paradigm of who God is.  King David saw God as merciful. —​How do YOU see God?   L.

Study Reference: Matthew 5:1-12 
From: "The Turmoil of Faith." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: shutterstock

    "And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”      Habakkuk 2:2-3


The first time I read Dr. Steven Covey’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, I was completely overwhelmed. I had to read the chapters more than once for it to really sink in.  The book is an intellectual review of what it takes to be a highly effective leader; not simply in business, but in life. There are several universal principles; such as, the development of a personal mission statement and charting a vision course that will ultimately cover your life, family, and career.  More importantly, with considerable regards to humanity as a whole, and above all else, God. 

Truthfully, I never really considered a written statement for my life until I read the book. I had always written down my goals, but the thought of writing a mission and visionary statement for my life, until then, seemed unnecessary. That was in the early 90’s; I knew what I wanted to do, and was clearly on track to accomplish my goals. At the time, my company was doing well; and, the leadership training and development program I developed had garnered major interest from a large city agency.  As I have gotten older, my life and my goals have changed. Maybe, it has changed for you also.  Writing a vision and mission statement for your life is a means of keeping you on track. It forces you to critically and spiritually look at all aspects of your life, while working to maintain your higher ideals through the vicissitudes of life—you know, those crazy ups and downs where keeping up your ideals can be a lot harder than keeping up with the neighbors.

Writing a mission and vision statement for your life is not easy, it takes a lot of thought.  It can be highly complex in its simplicity, leaving very little room for all those vicissitudes in your life.  Or, it can be so simple it borders on the impossible; like, “promoting world peace.”  But, if praising, loving, and respecting God is number one on the list, it will be difficult not to see it through.  Keep in mind this statement by writer Os Hillman; "God often births a vision in your life only to allow it to die first before the purest version of the vision is manifested."   —True words indeed; but, write it anyway.  L.

Study Reference: Habakkuk 2:2-3, Proverbs 29:18 
Excerpt From: "Write The Vision."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: shutterstock

"Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:16


As Christians, there are words, Bible verses, psalms, personal prayers, and benedictions we profess every time we attend church services. There are songs and hymns we sing that literally “shout a battle cry,” announcing to all listening that we have relinquished our love and life to God Almighty.  And yet, if you didn't tell anyone that you were a Christian, would they be able to tell from your current life?  You know. —The life you live when you are away from your church.  Could they tell by the way you treat others or interact with strangers?  What about the way you conduct yourself at work?   Is God's excellence shown forth in your daily routine or is it lacking?

Today’s verse states that your Light should shine before men so that all those who interact with you may see God at work in your life.

So, if you maintain a grumbling spirit and tend to be pessimistic in every aspect of your life, yet you really believe that you are a beloved child of the Most High God; then, remember this.  —Sometimes, the only reflection of God that another person may ever see —is YOU.   And, unbeknownst to you, many times, it will be your only opportunity to introduce them to God’s Love, Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness.  This has nothing to do with “preaching” or even sharing the Gospel of Jesus.  It has to do with your life actually exhibiting what you profess.

Our life is our own personal and reasonable sacrifice to God. It exhibits everything that we believe we "know" or have learned about Him.  Once we believe that we are Children of the Most High God, it tempers how we act and what we say.  It tempers the things we do and the things we don't.  It controls the quality of what we expect from life, from ourselves, and from others. —It even reflects what we expect from God.

Yes, your life and personal Light must glorify God; ultimately, it emits a Light frequency that quietly speaks volumes about your true feelings concerning His omnipotence over your life.  It unconsciously reflects your understanding of God’s Love in your life —whether you fully acknowledge it or not.

The question prompted by today’s verse is a highly personal one; it asks you to truly reflect on your demeanor and outlook as viewed through the eyes of others.  —​Are you a beacon of God’s Light in this world, or are you barely, a dimly lit spark?  L. 

Study Reference: John 17:4, Matthew 5:14-16
From: " Your Thoughts: Set Apart II” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Magiczone ​

 "The LORD bless You, and keep You. The LORD make His Face shine upon You, and be gracious unto You. The LORD lift up His Countenance upon You, and give You peace.”     Numbers 6:24-26


I was speaking with a longtime friend of our family, who, many years ago, was invited to church by my Mother and her best friend.  As it turns out, she kept visiting the church until she became a baptized member; this was about 18 years ago.  As we were having a discussion on the question of Bible Study, she said, “It's true. I really should know my Bible more.”   I looked at her and asked, “Why do you think you attend church or read your Bible?    She looked at me as if she knew I was asking a question I planned on answering. “It’s so you can speak to others about Jesus.” I continued. “It may be a little bit more complex than that, because, there are people who should work within the church; but primarily, it is to speak to others about Christ. The more you know, the more you can respond to their questions when they ask you about God. —​And, you can be sure, they will ask!”  I said.

She thought about what I said for a moment and she got very excited, as if she had just remembered something significant.  Then, she looked at me with her eyes sparkling and said: 

“You know, while I was in a store shopping a few days ago, a woman I had just passed in the aisle came up to me and said, “Excuse me, are you a Christian?”   “Yes.”  I said, wondering what made her ask. “Oh,” said the woman, “Can you pray for me?”  I was so surprised that the woman asked me to pray for her, I smiled and said, “Oh, yes!”  I felt blessed that somehow she knew that I was a Christian; and, even more blessed that God was using me to intercede on her behalf.  I held her hands, and just as I was about to begin praying for her, another woman walked up and said, “I’m sorry, are you about to pray?  —​I overheard your conversation and I have so much to thank God for!  Just this morning I asked God for a job and He just answered my prayer!  —​Can I join?”   

Our friend, surprised at the first request, was even more surprised by the second request!  Nevertheless, all three women locked hands, and in the middle of the store aisle, she began to pray for both women.

When you are a Christian, the very Light of God shines so brightly within you, your countenance changes!  Christ places such an indelible mark on your life, it is discernible by all.  You do not have to tell anyone that you are a Christian, they will know. They will see it in your temperament, your actions, your compassion, and your heart. 
—It will be so prevalent in your life, even perfect strangers will see His reflection in you. L.

Study Reference: Numbers 6:24-26 
From: "Reflecting  The Light."  In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bigstock

   "...And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host; and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city, both with horses and chariots.  And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! How shall we do? And he answered, Fear not; for They that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw; and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."     2 Kings 6:13-17


We sometimes fill ourselves with such disabling fear that we cannot accomplish God's Divine desire for our lives.  In today's story, the prophet Elisha prayed to have his servant’s eyes opened so he could see God’s army protecting them against the impending army of their enemy.  Imagine if you could see the angels that surround you as you go through your particular circumstance.  Our Bible says, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrew 13:5-6)

Fear is the absolute killer of Faith. Sometimes you will know what your next course of action is going to be, and sometimes you will not.  Sometimes conquering your circumstances will be a simple act of faith; and sometimes, it will take a pure leap of faith on your part to move from one level of existence to another. God asks us for faith; faith that He can and will deliver exactly what we need and more.  This kind of faith moves you through whatever may be harassing you to command fear into submission, ultimately allowing you to stand boldly before your fear. Elisha's servant could only see the impending problem plaguing them; his faith was limited to his eyesight. Yet, Elisha had been under siege before; he had already learned to internalize God’s promise to him; and so, his faith could see far into the spiritual realm beyond his fear.

I understand how a perceived reality can produce so much fear it paralyzes you--I have been there.  Like Elisha's servant in today's story, You must ultimately change your perception of the problem to overcome its power over you. And remember, the verse above says, "...I will never leave you or forsake you.”  God does not say, “sorta-kinda,” or,"maybe on a couple of days;" or even,"every once in a while." —GOD boldly says, " I will never..!"   L.

Study Reference: 2 Kings 6:13-17
From: "A Perceived Reality." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Painting: "Ministry of Angels, Promise of the Scriptures" by Kerri Guthrie

    "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My Hands; thy walls are continually before Me.”    Isaiah 49:16 


The Bible chronicles the life of King David from the time he was a shepherd defeating Goliath, to his anointing as king of Israel; it also documents his countless exploits, and his eventual death. We know the episodes of his deepest despair and his most amazing triumphs. And, although God called him “...A man after Mine own heart,” (Acts 13:22) David was not allowed to administer the immense undertaking that would become The Tabernacle of God; a building worthy enough to hold the Ark of the Covenant. While we look at David’s life, it is easy for readers to see how the Spirit of God governed his life, both as a youth, and as an adult. We can easily understand those times when God was displeased with his actions; as in, his disobedience in taking a census. An act which resulted in the death of 70,000 as his penalty; or, his affair with Bathsheba, which resulted in both the death of her husband and David’s child. 

For the most part, many of you are successful in your own right. You have worked hard, studied well, and persevered so you can now reap the benefits of a decent life. Chances are, you have probably made your family proud of your accomplishments. So, why is it so easy to see the Hand of God in the minute details of David’s life and not in your own? Why do we continually believe God is not watching, caring, and/or faithfully ordering 'our' steps as we remain faithful to Him? 

Today, it is still all about Thanksgiving—a sincere gratitude for ALL things in our lives, whether it has the appearance of bad or good, success or failure. Why? -Because, sometimes the things that appear to be a blessing can become a burden; and, the things that appear to be a curse, can transform our spirits and become an enormous blessing in our lives. Let’s take the time to put things into perspective and thank God for His Love, Guidance, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness, because without it, it is impossible to fully live.  L. 

Study Reference: Isaiah 48:17, 49:1, 49:16, & Hebrew 10:35-36
From:"Thanksgiving-A Sense of Gratitude." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo credit: Husni Che Ngah

" 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 well-being 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, Mercy, Forgiveness, 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 new 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. -May God continue to Bless You!  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 ​

     “But this I say, he which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purpose in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remains forever.”       2 Corinthians 9:6-9


The principle of blessing and serving others is very basic; it is a continuance of the Blessing Cycle God has bestowed on you and your family. In fact, in many instances it can be a cycle that began long before you were born. 

When I was 10 years old, I watched as my Grandmother created a “care box” full of supplies for a neighbor in the small town where she lived. The neighbor was apparently going through a rough time financially, and was having difficulty feeding her family.  My grandparents were certainly not wealthy. However, they were more fortunate than many others in their small town in Central America; because, they had a small income from several farms and a monthly income in U.S. dollars from my parents and other family members in America.

As I watched my Grandmother stockpile all the supplies she bought into the box, I asked her who the supplies were for. —A little stunned by her response, I said, "But Grandma, you don't even like that woman!"  And she said, “I don't do this for her, I do this for you.” —Looking at her in disbelief, I said, “-Huh, me?” She repeated her statement, and further explained, “I do it so that if YOU ever find yourself in need, someone will do this for you.”  Somehow, even at ten years old, I understood.  Now that she has passed on, I realize that I have been blessed many times due to her acts of kindness.  And now, I have lived long enough to see acts of kindness from others extended to members of my own family.

The Blessing Cycle is a really simple premise. However, if you really need to fully understand this concept, here it is; bless others with your gifts, talents, and /or fortune, so you and your generation / descendants will be continuously blessed.  L.

Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
From: "Continuing The Blessing Cycle." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
​photo: istock

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

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

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

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

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

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

         
​"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.  Today, 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

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

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

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

 

​"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins; return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.”
​Isaiah 44:22
 
 
Today we are continuing our study of prayer’s correlation to forgiveness, and its relation to accessing the higher spiritual realm of answered prayers.  As written on the previous day’s post, Teach Us To Pray, and An Exercise In Forgiveness;  there is a direct relationship to your forgiveness of others, and your answered prayers.  Obviously, it does not mean that none of your prayers will be answered if you do not forgive those who have hurt you; because, if that were true, there would be no prayers answered at all.  However, by releasing those whom you may be holding hostage in the dungeon of unforgiveness, you literally release the windows of Heaven to bless your life on a far greater level than whatever you are currently experiencing.  Consider making the prayer below a part of your morning, afternoon, and/or evening meditation for the next 21 days. You are probably thinking to yourself, “I am already so blessed; I cannot imagine what else God could possibly add to my life for a greater blessing!”  That’s probably true!  Yet, by uttering a prayer to aid in releasing the bonds of unforgiveness in your spirit, for the next 21 days, you may just find out exactly what you have been missing!
 
First, find a quiet place to calm and relax your spirit.  Slow down your breathing; and, more importantly, remember to accept the words as you speak.  Below is a prayer to help you release the bonds of unforgiveness.  
 
“Lord God, today I claim the power of forgiveness. I release those people in my life that I have held in the spiritual limbo of unforgiveness. I release it from my life. I promise, Oh Lord, that I will not hold on to the pain caused by others in my life –not one more day.

In honor of Your Love for me, I will utter these words daily, “I forgive you. I forgive you, I forgive you!” until I can feel the release of unforgiveness in my spirit.  As I release my pain to You, I will release to You those who have hurt me.  
Lord, I offer my heart, mind, body, and spirit to You for cleansing.  Allow Your Love to claim my heart so that I can offer compassion to those whom I believe have been harmful, disrespectful, or neglectful to me. Please be patient with me.  
I claim the power of The Holy Spirit to help me overcome this obstacle in my life; and, I ask You to reveal the supernatural cleansing power of forgiveness over my life. 

Lord God, I ask for healing in my body, mind, heart, and spirit.  And, I claim Your promise to open the windows of heaven to bless my life. Thank you for Your Patience, Love, Compassion, Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness. –In the precious name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. –Amen.”
 
If you add forgiveness to your life, eventually you will be able to spiritually dismiss every errant spirit that had you bound. You will be able to come from under the weight of unrelenting unforgiveness to experience the full freedom of God’s Love!  L.
 
Study Reference: Isaiah 44:22
From: “Teach Us to Pray, Too (II)” In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: pinterest

​       “And the Lord spake unto me, saying, Ye have compassed this mountain long enough; turn you northward.”               Deuteronomy 2:2-3


​Have you ever felt as if you were going in circles around a mountainous experience, experiencing the same issues over and over again, literally getting nowhere fast?

The children of Israel traveled in the wilderness and around the mountainous region of Sinai for 40 years, instead of what was supposed to be a few days journey across the Jordan River into the Promise Land. Their rut around the mountain was orchestrated by God to eradicate their disbelief and corruption. Then one day, God speaks to them in today’s verse saying, "You have spent enough time circling the mountain, time to change direction."
I am not certain which direction they were going, but we know one thing for certain, it was not north!

Every once in a while, we may feel as if we are in a rut, traveling in a circle, experiencing the same thing over and over again. It is as if you are in the same long-running Broadway play using the same set but different actors, feeling frustrated and underwhelmed.  Yet sometimes, the “routine” or “rut” experience has been orchestrated by God to help you eradicate some issues from your life. For the children of Israel it was disobedience, disbelief, lack of faith, and corrupt morals. For us, it may be lack of forgiveness, disobedience, faithlessness, and lapses in integrity. It can almost appear hopeless, because nothing you do seems to be able to pull you out of it.  And, your prayers seem to fall flat, because somehow you know this is exactly where God wants you to be at this time.

If so, know that there is a lesson or lessons you will have to experience and/ or learn first, in order for you to move forward to fulfill God’s greater expectation. Pay close attention to the lesson, so that when the time comes, you will hear the distinction in The Voice that says, “You have compassed this mountain long enough; turn ye northward!”  L.

Study Reference: Deuteronomy 2:1-3, Psalm 51:10-12
From;"Circling The Mountain." In The Master's Hands; 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Mauricio Sewell

   "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: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living,  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, pled, 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

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver Me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover Me with his feathers, and under His wings shalt I trust: His truth shall be My shield and buckler. I shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  A thousand shall fall at My side, and ten thousand at My right hand; but it shall not come nigh Me."       Psalm 91:1-7
 

​
Recently, a young pastor, speaking to a group of Chaplaincy students, told a story regarding his 5-year old son. As a Chaplain, Pastor, and former soldier, he and his wife decided that they would shield their young son from all the violence and violent images readily available to children, for as long as humanly possible. In an effort to do so, they continuously screen everything he watches.  One day, while in a store making a purchase, he realized that there were movie previews playing in the background of the store. When he looked at his son, he noticed that his son had placed his head on the counter, shielding his eyes from the sudden onslaught of violence shown on the screen. He calmly said, “Son, what’s wrong?” His son, still shielding his eyes, quietly said, “Daddy, I’m scared.” Picking up his son and cradling him close to his chest; he said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Daddy is here. And, Daddy wouldn't let anything happen to you.”
 
As he told the story, I could “see” the entire incident as it unfolded in my head; and, I thought about God’s promise to shield His children when we are scared, under siege, broken, or fearful.  Today’s passage, taken from the beginning verses of Psalm 91, reminds us that God has given us the promise of His protection. It outlines His promise to protect us from snares, pestilence, dark terrors, or daily projectiles.  –And, He does not stop there!  He throws in His protection against those things that hide within the crevices of darkness; and, even those things or people that come for us in the fullness of day. He tells us that, thousands may fall from the peril around us, but it will not come near us.
 
Like our Heavenly Father, the father in our story protected his son from the onslaught of a perceived danger. He shielded him from the terror that was imagined in his son's young mind. –Now, consider your Heavenly Father as He shields you  against the “thing”  that has you scared, under siege, broken, or fearful.  Consider being under the shadow of His Wings, away from any of the things that have taken residence in your life, keeping you feeling trapped and afraid, with your head bowed and eyes shielded.  
If you can understand just how much the father in this story wanted to keep his son protected, then consider just how much more your Heavenly Father will protect YOU!  L. 
 
**Now, it is your turn to write your thoughts regarding today’s verse in your journal.  
 
Study Reference: Psalm 91
From: "Your Thoughts:“Protected!" In The Master’s Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: istock

     "I Am My Beloved’s, and My Beloved is Mine…”        Song of Solomon 6:3  


Most people want to belong to something or someone; it is rare to find someone who truly wants to be completely alone. We often say it; and yet, we rarely mean it. Even when it appears that we really want to be alone, it is only because we cannot be with the specific person we ideally want to be with.  So, we make the decision to be alone, because, having no one is better than just anyone. We long to find the ultimate person whom we can share our hearts with, so we spend a considerable amount of time searching for the right one; or, the right thing that will ultimately make us feel as if we belong to something greater than ourselves. –That’s what Love does to us; it makes us feel greater than ourselves.  It broadens the vantage point of who we believe we are, transcending the highest point of our life to place us on the acme of our own personal mountain.

The problem with this feeling, in our current culture, is that, it rarely lasts. Eventually, we will discover something about our beloved that betrays how we feel, or vice versa.  We eventually discover our beloved’s weakness or flaw. It is that thing we learn about our beloved that can eventually be used as ammunition against them to cause them conscious pain when they are the most vulnerable. We also have a flaw. –It is that tender spot that somehow cannot be touched by others. –That broken thing.  Some of us have more than one; some of us have a battalion.  It’s that thing most of us want to hide about ourselves; that "thing" that we believe no one will find acceptable.   Yet, the truth is, our flaw is the very thing that attracts our soul mate into our lives. 

Our instinct is to find the one whose weakness or flaw is adorable to us and vice versa. A weakness or flaw that we not only can live with; but, that we truly believe is acceptable and dismissive. A flaw that others see as a problem for them to love, yet, one that we find enhances our love.  It is like having your own personal handicap that everyone notices, except one person.  Somehow that noticeably, obvious flaw, is unnoticeable to them; he or she only sees you.  This Love is our quest; it is us seeking God's Gift to humanity.

When we know of God, of His Son Jesus Christ, we are accepted in spite of our flaws.  Our lack of perfection is the very thing that He seeks out.  It is the very reason He sent a part of Himself to the cross.  Our flaws, although noticeable to Him, are irrelevant.  He understands our vulnerabilities and weaknesses –and accepts us anyway. 

Our love can waver like the tides of the ocean; but, God’s Love is everlasting.  It does not stray, does not falter.  It can never fade, leave, or dissolve.  It is here forever.  You are God's Beloved. You are the very reason He sent Jesus to the Cross. He understands your flaws and weaknesses, He calls it–humanity.  There is nothing in your past, present, or future that, in coming to God in repentance, will not be forgiven. –Nothing!     L. 
​
Study Reference: Song of Solomon 
From: "Be-Loved." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.  
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo credit: shutterstock ​

​                   

“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”     Mark 16:15
​

​
Sometimes we need to take the time to truly understand what some refer to as a "religious spirit." For many, it refers to what can sometimes be the stodgy rules of modern religion extracted from our Puritan ancestors. A series of rules and regulations that inhibit a religious community from meeting the unsaved where they are: the dance halls, bars, gambling dens, streets, work, etc.

It's true, some of us cannot go back into some of those places because our own walk with God might be a little shaky; and, we just may find ourselves reverting to the old habits we left behind. So understandably, not everyone is an ideal fit for this type of ministry. However, we have to remember, Jesus shattered the imaginary wall between saints vs. sinners by purposely disobeying the rabbinical laws and traditions of His time.

So today, pray for the opportunity to speak to someone about Jesus; not as a preacher, but as a witness, not in piousness, but in love. Remember, your specific life experience and testimony may be exactly what someone needs to hear for them to walk away from the life they're in, to the eternal life they need. L.

Study Reference: Mark 16:15-16, 20
From: "A Religious Spirit." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo credit: Jungle Jew

    "Then spoke Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and He said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.”   Joshua 10:12-14
 
​
The book of Joshua can be viewed as a modern-day metaphor for the types of trials we encounter where Christians need to prepare for personal battles.  This is primarily true because, many of its stories and battles take place in the desert.  Within its pages, readers are taught how to fight in a desert experience while maintaining deep faith.  The thing is, a desert experience takes more than preparation, and it takes more than bodily strength; it is the type of experience that requires total dependence on God. Why?  Because, in the desert, we can never predict or prepare enough water (faith), to quench the deep thirst (spiritual dependence), caused by the burning sun (conflict); we simply just never know how hot it is going to be or how our body will react to the pelting heat of the sun. 

The three verses found above are the fulfillment of a promise God made to Joshua while in the midst of fighting yet another desert battle.  In this passage, Joshua asks God to hold back the sun from going down and the moon from rising, so his army could annihilate Gibeon’s enemies without violating the Sabbath. 

While I read the surrounding paragraphs, all I could think about was this. If God could hold back the sun and the moon from a full orbit for one whole day, what problem could I possibly have that He cannot solve?  When we look more closely, we have to believe, it is our lack of faith that inhibits the release of His solutions to our problems.  We are the ones who inhibit God's solutions!  If we exhibit extraordinary faith—faith beyond that which we normally consider natural; then, metaphorically speaking, the sun and the moon can be held back from their orbit. 

Like all tribulations in our lives, our Faith will be tested to the extreme; since, it is only in the extreme tests that we are able to exhibit the kind of extraordinary Faith, which enables God to literally stop the sun and the moon from moving.   L.  

Study Reference: Joshua 10:6-14  
From: "The Day The Sun Stood Still." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
Photo: unknown ​

​"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”   Isaiah 43:18-19


The passage above, found in the book of Isaiah, reminds us not to keep our minds focused on things of the past, because God is, a God of creation; the kind of creation that has nothing to do with the former things discarded by the wayside for His purpose. -Instead, the kind of creation that is far beyond anything you could ever dream for yourself. He is also the God of restoration, the kind of restoration that can make the former things we believed extraordinary, seem like trash. 

If you believe you have had extraordinary success in the past and are going through a desert experience now, it is very difficult to forget the good times. It can also create deep anxiety every time you relive the successful times in your mind. However, in biblical times, there were times when God's people experienced seven years of abundance, followed by seven years of famine. And, the people had to prepare for those periods when life was not as abundant as in the past. 

Modern society is not accustomed to this type of preparation, and as Americans, even less. We believe we should live in abundance at all times, even when we do not have abundance. Sometimes it is with the gift of hope and faith, and sometimes it is with pure avarice. Remember the passage above; it is God’s promise to you while you go through your own unique desert preparation period that, He will enact a new thing in your life. It can be a new opportunity, in a new direction, where He has repositioned you in a new place; or, it can be something so completely out of your paradigm, you’ll never see it coming.

Either way, stop worrying. Keep your eyes open so you can see when your opportunity springs forth.  And, keep your faith strong; God will create an oasis in your desert to replenish you!  L.

Study Reference: Isaiah 43:18-19
From: "The Desert Experience." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell 
photo: istock

​        "What is man that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that Thou visitest him."      Psalm 8:4

 
Suppose that today, instead of feeling like a powerful Child of the Most High God, you are feeling alone, left out, invisible, or unloved. And, no matter what you tell yourself to get out of it, you still find yourself thinking about it all day.  —Then, here is something else for you to meditate on instead.

If you really stopped for a moment to consider just how much God really Loves you, it would be absolutely staggering!  God is ever mindful of every detail of your life.  He is so mindful in fact, that within an earthly population of over seven BILLION people, even the tiny swirls on your fingertips —something that you never really look at, barely acknowledge, or ever pay any attention to, can never be found on any other person, anywhere in the world!  Not even an identical twin!  —That’s just how “mindful” God was when He decided that You should be born.
How’s that for attention to detail!  

So remember, it doesn't matter how you feel; feelings can betray you.  You are never alone; never left out; never invisible; and, above all, definitely Loved!  So, go ahead, get on your knees, clasp your hands, and speak to your Heavenly Father!  L. 
 
​**Now, it’s your turn to write down your own thoughts in your journal regarding today’s verse.

Study Reference: Psalm 8:4
Excerpt from: Your Thoughts: “It’s All About YOU” In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living. 
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo:  istock