Posted on Jul 20, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
I don’t know about you but I thank God that He is a God of second chances. The giving of forgiveness is that second chance. It is a wonderful blessing to receive God’s forgiveness when we mess up but it is also vital that our hearts offer forgiveness to those that have hurt or offended us. When someone offends us, we can let it go or hold on to it.It is only by the power of God’s love at work within us that we can give someone a second chance by releasing them of the offense they have caused us.
One day the subject of forgiveness came up between the Lord and His disciples and Peter popped a question. I guess in Peter’s mind maybe he was willing to give even more than a second chance but a seventh chance. I am sure Peter was taken back by the Jesus’ answer to his question.
Matthew 18:21-22
The Voice
Peter:” Lord, when someone has sinned against me, how many times ought I
forgive him? Once? Twice? As many as seven times?”
Jesus: “You must forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
Many times we are just like Peter. We want to feel as if we are so full of love, but you see our love has limitations. We all have our limits. God’s love has NO limitations. Today I encourage you to draw upon the love of the God in the midst of your day. Know that if you are that God desires you to draw upon His heart that you can freely forgive as many times as you have to. Continue to draw on and grow in God’s love that you may be able to freely give that which He has given you.
“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and
within the reach of every hand.”
Mother Teresa
~~~~~♥~~~~~
Posted on Jul 19, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
I would venture to say that maybe you have already had a good breakfast to get your day started, and it is because you know how important it is. There are certain things you purpose to eat and do to keep and maintain a healthy body. I see such a pursuit among people to stay healthy, look younger, be stress free, etc… Goals toward good health are important to have because it causes you to discipline yourself and the end result is rewarding.
I bet if I asked a handful of people if they would love to have peace ruling in their heart and mind that they would absolutely exclaim, “Yes!” I love when I feel like my heart is full of His peace no matter what is going on about me. I have yet to meet anyone that says they would do any thing to keep turmoil, stress, and anxiety in their minds and bodies. God did not design us to live in worry, stress, and fears, therefore it is not good for us to allow these things to dwell within us. Doctors will tell you the harmful physical effects that fear and worry has on our body and emotional well being. I want to share a great scripture with you today.
Colossians 3:15-Amplified version
“And let the peace soul harmony which comes from Christ
rule act as umpire continually in your hearts deciding
and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds,
in that peaceful state to which as members of Christ’s
one body you were also called to live…”
In this scripture Paul spoke of Christ’s peace being like an umpire or referee in our hearts. His peace will settle all unrest and arguments that go on in your mind. Our hearts and minds are the center of all conflict because this is where our feelings and desires clash, our hopes and fears meet , jealousy battles with love, etc… Ask Him to help you listen to the umpire of your heart. He will instruct you in a way that peace will rule and reign no matter what. It is God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus indeed gives us peace that the world cannot give. Blessings to you this day!
Posted on Jul 18, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Everyday we have choices before us. It would be interesting to take note of all the choices that we make everyday. What shall I eat?…what shall I wear?…what words should I speak or not speak?…who should I associate with?…etc… In life there are so many choices that must be made. Sometimes you may make a wrong choice that may bring inconvenience into your day. It may not matter if you choose one route over another to travel to work but today the route you chose was full of construction, and it made you late. These types type choices may disrupt your day but these days will happen. But then there are choices in this life that are “heart” choices. These choices God desires to be a total part of. He desires that His hand of blessing to be at work in our life that our lives are rich and full. The Word that I share from Proverbs is admonishing us to choose God’s instruction and disciplines over whatever you deem as valuable.
Proverbs 8:10-11Expanded Bible (EXB)
“Choose [Take] my ·teachings [instructions; discipline] instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than ·the finest [choice] gold.
Wisdom is more precious than ·rubies [or pearls].
Nothing ·you could want is equal to [is more delightful than] it.”
In this scripture God is showing us that even the jewels that we could ever possess and are incredibly expensive do not measure in value to His instruction, His wisdom and knowledge. Think about it…NOTHING we could ever desire no matter how wonderful can compare to the worth of His great riches !! Let us ponder this scripture and allow our hearts to be challenged. May we know that we value His Word above anything this world has to offer.
~~~~~~♥~~~~~
Posted on Jul 17, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
I absolutely hate if I am trying to do something and I just know that my heart is not in it. When you are trying to do your job or do something and your heart is not connected it simply feels like you are going through the motions. I also hate when I know I have to do something and my attitude is not correct. God desires to work in our everyday things that we have to do. He certainly can see the maintenance adjustments that are much needed on our heart, mind and soul. He sees our struggles and He knows well what you dread relative to your job or other responsibilities.
I believe the Lord desires that we work wholeheartedly in all that we set our hand to.
Colossians 3:23 (AMP)
” Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul),
as [something done] for the Lord and not for men…”
In this scripture we can see that as we do anything our focus needs to stay on the Lord. We need to work as if we are doing it for Him. As I think about this I cannot help but to think about how our hearts would definitely be more willing even if the job is not pleasant. Another translations says, in ALL the work you are given, do the best you can. I think that is a great attitude to carry with us as we face each day’s demands and our jobs. No matter what it is that is your responsibility just simply do the best you can and do it as if you are doing it for Him. As you pursue to make this a habit of your heart, I guarantee you that He will prosper all that you put your hand to.
~~~~~♥~~~~~
Posted on Jul 16, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Like two little cheerleaders my granddaughters were shouting out words of encouragement to me. It was the most precious thing ever. While they were water coloring at Great Grandma’s in her kitchen they were taking notice to my struggle as I was trying to figure out my mother in law’s new phone. The oldest Granddaughter would shout an encouraging word to me and the youngest one would repeat and echo what her big sister was saying. I was getting a double dose of encouragement that I really needed for the moment.
Frustration was indeed finding a place in my head as I felt I was following the directions carefully to change a particular setting in the phone but it was not working. It was interesting that even though the girls seemed engrossed in their painting, they found it important to do some shout outs to Grandma. These were the words I was hearing coming from the both of them…
“It’s okay, Grandma!”
“Yes Grandma, it’s okay!”
“Keep trying!”
“Keep trying Grandma!!”
“Don’t get frustrated Grandma!”
“Frustrated is not good.”
You see the day before I was teaching my oldest Granddaughter to do something and frustration was all over her. I would make her look me straight in the eye and listen to my words, “Do not say you can’t do this, because I KNOW you can!!” As she saw her self master what she thought she could not do, her face and countenance changed and she shined like a star! My point here is that those spoken words of encouragement stuck in her mind. She remembered how those words urged her on and now it was her turn to encourage me. It was so sweet and those spoken words helped me press in and realize that my frustration that I excepted was the very thing hindering me and I was simply missing one part of the directions. Finally I got the phone working.
The Word of God says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) Today I want to encourage you to think about the power of encouraging words to those around you. Encouraging words are capable of inspiring someone to do something they think may be impossible, and I think that is awesome!! Do you remember a time when someone told you that you could do something you thought was impossible? …and then you did the impossible!! Bring that encouraging word to someone you know may be struggling with lack of confidence or a hopeless heart. God will surely bless you when you see hope spark in their eyes!
Posted on Jul 14, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Sometimes it can be tempting to carry the “little” burdens on our own. I think the more we get into the habit of taking it all to the Lord the better off we will be. The more we take it ALL the more we will grow in seeking to do everything by His strength and wisdom. It is those little things, those little cares that we carry that will soon having us trying to figure things out in our own ability. Worry will become the habit of our minds and Jesus told us not to be concerned about the cares of this world and what tomorrow will bring.
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”
Corrie Ten Boom
Philippians 4:6-7 (ERV)
“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.”
When I read this scripture and I ponder what Corrie ten Boom said it reminds me of how tenderly the Lord desires to watch over me. It causes me to think more about how He knows what I need before I am even aware of the need. I think the deeper we understand this love the more we will run to Him with everything no matter how small it may be in our eyes. God is so good.
Posted on Jul 13, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
1 John 3:18-19 (ERV)
“My children, our love should not be only words and talk.
No, our love must be real.
We must show our love by the things we do.
That’s how we know we belong to the way of truth.”
It is important that we know we are being honest with God, honest with ourselves, and therefore we will be in a position to show God’s love. We will walk away from selfishness, the very thing that inhibits us from giving our all for Him. God’s love positions us to be totally real and honest with those around us. The more we come to know God, His love and His ways, we will walk as the Lord walked. This world is looking for those that are walking in the God kind of love. God desires that we not just talk the talk, but rather walk the talk.
It is so easy to say what we want to do for Him but we need to know in our hearts that we will be willing to give feet to our words. There will be times that God may call upon us to help people and it may make us have to go one more mile than what we had intended. Many times His love will stretch us and that is a very good thing. It is in those times that His love will be shown and we will grow as we give of ourselves. I think it is a good thing for all of us to be pulled away from our comfort zone and put in a place we have to rely on Him to help us to do things for Him that we never thought we were capable of. God’s love is so much bigger than we can imagine, and He desires to do great things through each one of us.
As we desire to walk in the ways of truth and show those around us His love, we will be amazed how God will move within us. We will then be positioned to act from our hearts and exhibit His love in a real way. How blessed it is to know that we can show His love in all that we do showing those around us that we belong to the way of truth.
Posted on Jul 12, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Proverbs 8:14 (ESV)
“I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.”
Consoling isn’t it…Jesus IS our understanding. When we seek to know more, and we ask Him to help us understand, He is faithful to help us. As we search His Word He will help us understand it and apply it to our lives.
In those times where things may seem to appear dark, cloudy, and difficult…know that He is well able to unfold to you what you need to know. He is able to bring to you the clarity that you need.
1 Corinthians 2:16 (AMP)
” For who has known or understood the mind
(the counsels and purposes)
of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and
give Him knowledge? But we have the mind
of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.”
Praise Him today that as we draw upon His understanding we are walking in deeper realms holding the thoughts, feelings and purposes of His heart!
~~~~~♥~~~~~
Posted on Jul 11, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
I believe it is good for one’s soul to stop on a regular basis and just think about how blessed we are. Maybe things are not going perfectly at times but if you know the Lord your heart can rest in the hope that His hand is upon you and He has a plan for you today. You are blessed!
When I look around and see the work of His mighty hand I often wonder how one could not believe there is a God in Heaven. I am thankful that His hand of blessing is upon my life. It is such a comfort to know that His loving eyes are upon me at all times.
Psalm 139:1-5
Living Bible (TLB)
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.
While reading these verses my heart was especially blessed when I read “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest.” Today as you go about your day I encourage you to be mindful of His plans for you as He works through your life. Also, be ready to stop and rest as He instructs you to do that He may refresh and renew your strength. Many times we can get so focused on the work that we forget that our spirit and in body need rest. He desires to continually empower us with His strength and wisdom that we would not get weary in doing His will. God bless you as you ponder His blessings in your life!
Posted on Jul 10, 2014 in Devotions |
by Dona Hake
Everyone of us are still under the molding and workmanship of the Master’s hands. His hands are loving and they work with purpose. Some days we might not feel all that great on the outside and things may be a bit stormy on the inside but know this…God’s loving hand is at work in your life.
Isaiah 64:8 (the Voice translation)
“Still, Eternal One, You are our Father.
We are just clay, and You are the potter.
We are the product of Your creative action, shaped and formed into something of worth.”
Next time you feel tempted to question your own worth I encourage you to refer to this scripture. Next time you feel put down by others or you feel you do not measure up to the world’s “plastic” images of success, remember this…
YOU ARE the work of His hand! God bless you.
