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Saturday, February 25, 2017

Posted on Feb 24, 2017 in Uncategorized |

by Dona Hake

It seems our world is growing colder all the time and I am not talking temperature either. I find it so sad at times the insensitivity in the words and actions of people. Words can hurt and bruise deeply and actions many times convey unspoken words and attitudes. It does not matter, if they do not proceed from a heart of love, it will never be right. Jesus had something important to say about this. I have heard these words of His spoken many times over…”Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.” I love the Message’s translation because it sums it up simply.

Matthew 7:12 (MSG)

“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior:

Ask yourself what you want people to do for you,

then grab the initiative and do it for them.”

I love how this says to “grab the initiative and do it for them.” To grab something means to

to seize suddenly or quickly. If we are snagged be the negative emotions or hurt feelings we will not take initiative to do the right thing.

With the help of God’s love, He can show us the needs of people around us. Many times we just need to step out of our own little self created world and open our eyes to the needs of others around us. I think it would be a good habit to ponder our words before we speak them and think about our actions. Think to yourself, “Is this how I would want to be spoken to or is this how I would want someone to act in my presence.”

Personally I think this is one of the greatest prayers ever to pray for yourself. Also, it you have someone in your life that has mistreated you or hurting you with words, these are powerful words to pray for them in order that their eyes would be open to their behavior. I believe these words spoken by Jesus are those of power and they are meant for us to live by!

12.28.16

Posted on Dec 28, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Devotional for Wednesday, December 28, 2016

“Being a Vessel For the Master’s Use”

by Dona Hake

God desires that we show love to those around us in word, in our behavior and in our deeds. Think about times in your life that without the love, prayers, and help from people in your life, you would not have made it through a particular hardship. Never underestimate the times that you have felt prompted to pray for someone and you had no idea of what they were walking through. Simple obedience to the Lord could mean a major victory in an individual’s life. Many times the Lord wants to use us to touch those in need around us, and we must be willing to avail ourselves to Him that we can make a difference in someone’s life. I find this scripture interesting as well as applicable to the thought I am bringing to you today.

Proverbs 20:12

“It was the Lord who gave us eyes for seeing and ears for hearing.”

Very simply put here in the Proverbs, and it is basically saying that God desires us to use that which He has given us. He wants to use our eyes to show us what He is seeing and He wants to use our ears to cause us to hear the hearts of people around us. Let us ask the Lord to help us to see and hear the cry of people around us. I have had times where I might see a complete stranger and I see pain in their eyes and I walk away and just whisper a prayer for them. I more than likely will never see nor speak to them ever again yet I believe the Lord uses us to possibly change situations through such simple prayers. Again, see people’s hearts with God’s eyes and you will not miss such opportunities to show love in word, deed or in praying.

Keep your ears and eyes open to those around you. Never take the position that you have to know all the facts before you can pray. If you see or hear pain or need…just pray. Fancy words and details are many times not important…just pray as the Holy Spirit leads you. God wants to use us to reach down and strengthen those that need our help.

Lord, we ask You this day to use us as vessels that see as You see and hear as You hear. We ask that You touch people around us as we are obedient to You. We thank You for divine opportunities to be a blessing to those in need for we know there are so many around us that need help. In Jesus Name, Amen!

12.26.16

Posted on Dec 26, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Devotional for Sunday, December 26, 2016

“The Power of Expectation”

by Dona Hake

Hope you had a beautiful Christmas Day. Today it is on my heart to share with you the story of the three wise men that traveled with great expectation to see the newborn King. I love just imagining what it must have been like. I wonder what went on in their hearts as they set out on this long journey. One thing for sure and that is they knew what to follow and it was the grand star in the sky. Let us read from the scriptures about these three wise men that traveled to see our Lord for the first time. The Word tells us that they saw the same star they had seen in the east, and they followed it. The star went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was. They were very happy and excited to see the star.

Can we just try to imagine how their hearts must have been overjoyed as they neared what was under that grand star. Finally they knew in their hearts that they were going to meet this King that they knew was prophesied to come.

Matthew 2:11 Easy-to-Read Version

11 The wise men came to the house where the child was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him. They gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

I always wondered why the gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts must have had significance. I felt to research the song written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in 1857. I thought that John Henry Hopkins’ interpretation of the gifts was interesting.

We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshiping God on high.

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia!, Alleluia!,

I enjoyed meditating upon this carol and how this composer saw each gift’s significance. The GOLD was an acknowledgement of Jesus becoming the King of all Kings! The King that would never cease to reign. FRANKINCENSE is a sweet smelling incense that he seemed to see as symbolic of our prayers, our voices and our worship to Him. MYRRH being bitter is symbolic to the life and love of our Lord. There would be bitterness in the sorrows, bleeding and dying that He would face as He walked in God’s perfect will as He laid down His life at the cross.

I encourage you today to praise the living God that loved you so much that He chose to send His only Son just for you! May we remember that His purpose was to come and set the captives free. He came that we might be forever redeemed from sin and it’s destruction. Let us worship Him everyday with sweet praise and adoration. Let us live in great expectancy of the wondrous things that He has in store for us as we serve Him all the days of our life.

12.8.16

Posted on Dec 8, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Devotional for Thursday, December 8, 2016

“My Soul Will Sing Praise”

It was on my heart to share a bit differently with you today. Yesterday a dear friend of mine shared something on Facebook, and it was so touching and powerful. I have known her for many years, and I had the blessing and joy to photograph her wedding. I also have seen her walk through some very difficult storms. Several years ago I stood with her at the casket of her younger sister. It was only weeks before her death that Amber’s sister and I were out buying a new camera together. She shared her dreams with me and desired for me to mentor her in photography. And there I stood with Amber seeing this young woman’s life ended in such a tragic way. It was one of the most painful things I have ever walked through watching a family lose their precious loved one like this. Now Amber faces the challenge of dealing with Autism in her youngest daughter.

Today I am sharing with you Amber’s post from yesterday. This young woman’s strength and leaning on the Lord has been a powerful testimony to many. Every time she shares with me I feel more challenged in my faith. I pray this will bless you as it blessed me. With Amber’s permission and blessing I share with you her precious words:

“It’s really hard to believe it has almost been a year since this moment. One of the hardest times of my life feeling so helpless to help my child. I didn’t realize how much those fifteen days in the hospital over the holidays affected my heart until the Christmas music came on and a lump started rising up in my throat. Getting emotional over Christmas music isn’t me. I love Christmas. It’s my favorite time of year but I found this year that the loss of my sister around Christmas and the hardship of enduring Christmas with Riley’s special needs has made this holiday hard for me.

Revisiting the Ronald McDonald house last week brought back the old familiar feelings of feeling so lonely there last Christmas and wanting to be at home. And this year taking Autism head on and loving Riley where she is at, I realized I can’t shop for her the same way I would for any other four year old. I’ve had to shop for her at the pet store. Many tears shed but I realize the reason this year has been so dark for me is because I have been grieving over what isn’t and focusing on what hasn’t happened and looking at my pain instead of how far I’ve come.

Little Riley in her hospital bed after her surgery.

I took my eyes briefly off the One who has been holding me through all this. That is what this season is about, celebrating the One who gave all, who is Jesus. And if there is one thing I have learned from the losses I have endured and the hardships of having a child with special needs it is to not take things for granted, be thankful for the little things and realize that life is not about stuff, doing things “for” your kids, planning and trying to fit everything into a nice neat box, but it is being present in relationships, enjoying every moment unscripted, and going with the flow and learning to enjoy life in the midst of things.

I went from being an organized, have it all together Pinterest mom to letting go of control and learning to love people where they are at and being more present in everyday moments. It shouldn’t take hardship and tragedy for us to learn these things but for me I am glad that God has changed me. I don’t want to wait until everything is perfect and all my goals are achieved to start enjoying life.

Christmas might look different for us this year, but change is ok. I now know that hosting dinners and shopping for gifts pale in comparison to holding my loved ones close and giving thanks that I still have them. And it’s also about getting my eyes off of us and our problems and giving. For many people the holidays are hard. So give back, to those in need, especially to those who are lonely and grieving, and hold your loved ones close and don’t let the hustle bustle of the season keep you from seeing what is right in front of you. ” Amber Snyder

***

I shared with Amber that we will be standing with her and her family that Riley will be totally healed. I know she would appreciate your continued prayers, so I encourage you to do so. You know my friends, when I read things like this it reminds me to keep life in perspective as to what is really important. Especially at this time of the year I see way too many people getting anxious over having to have things perfect. For some people things may never be perfect for their losses bring unbearable pain to them especially over the holidays.

I encourage you to day to walk as close to Jesus as you know how. Believe for opportunities to reach out and be a blessing to a heart that may be hurting, and may your soul sing praise to Him. God bless you.

12.6.16

Posted on Dec 6, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Devotional for Tuesday, December 6, 2016

“Abiding Under the Shelter of the Almighty”

by Dona Hake

God has provided for us His place of refuge. He desires that we dwell there, and that we remain. In other words, we cannot allow things of this world to pull us out from that place that He has provided for us. Let us purpose to remain in the place of His peace, love, joy, protection, and all the wonderful things He has provided in His shelter.

There will be things around us from day to day that will tempt us to walk out from His shelter. Many times people may choose anxiety over peace or bitterness over love, etc. This is only a few of the many choices we can make that can rob us from the hiding place and shelter He has provided. Remember, His shelter is our refuge. Next time you are tempted to get upset, instead of dwelling on the one who upset you or the circumstance, choose rather to run to Him for help, and refuge from the problem. Choose to dwell in the shelter of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 (GW)

“Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High
will remain in the shadow of the Almighty.”

In our home, my husband and I have lived by a rule since the day we were married, and that is to strive to maintain peace between us. We continue to do whatever it takes to maintain that peace in our home. We never leave each other with things unresolved, and we purpose to continue doing this.

”When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath
(your exasperation, your fury or indignation)
last until the sun goes down.”
Ephesians 4:26

You see, God knows our human nature, and that there will be times that we will heed to anger, but the warning here is to deal with it and resolve it. We must never lay down to sleep with anger in our hearts or we will awaken with that anger still brewing, and we will surely carry it with us throughout our day. This is not God’s plan for us! God wants us to live in a place of peace in our hearts, our homes, and everywhere we go throughout our day.

Today I just want to encourage you to value the wonderful blessing of Him providing a place for you to dwell. Do not allow the negative things of this life to pull you from that place of love, peace, and protection that He has so abundantly blessed you with. For every problem you have, He has a solution. All you need to do is remain in His presence, look to Him, and He will be your helper as you abide in His place of refuge. Today I encourage you to abide under the shelter of the Almighty God!

11.23.16

Posted on Nov 23, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Devotional for Wednesday, November 23, 2016

“Be Thankful For His Grace At Work In You”

by Dona Hake

Today let us meditate upon the beauty of the grace of our Lord. I pray that you have been meditating and thinking about the many blessings in your life. I am speaking of the blessings that money cannot buy…I am speaking of the blessings that only the Lord can give. I am thankful today as I write this for you that when I pray and ask Him for His grace that I know He is going to pour it out upon me. Some days I see His grace in different ways but I am amazed at times at His amazing grace and how it works. God desires that we diligently seek Him for His grace, and we therefore continue to grow in it. Seeking God’s grace, wisdom, and knowledge is all a part of tending to keeping our hearts that we grow strong in Him. Let us look at how the beauty of a garden and how things grow in it also illustrates spiritual principals.

We are presently in the beauty of the season of fall, and winter is right around the corner. We no longer have to concern ourselves with weeds interfering with our pursuit of a beautiful, thriving flower garden for our gardens will now be dormant for many months. I love my gardens, but I must admit they are a lot of work. It always amazes me how weeds just grow. They need no help at all. They will thrive, take over and eventually choke the life out of our beautiful flowers.

It is interesting how some things just grow all by themselves. I have to laugh when I hear someone say to a child, “You are growing like a weed!!!!” Funny expression, yet true. A child growing up is a good and positive thing yet there are certain things like weeds you wished would not grow so fast!

There is a very negative side to this though. In life there are many things if left to themselves will grow and thrive without any help at all. Our negligence alone is all these negative things need to make them begin to take root in our hearts and minds. Think about the sin of bitterness, hate and unforgiveness. These things can grow and take root and ultimately weaken and destroy one’s soul. God desires that we tend to the garden of our hearts that we grow deep and strong in His ways that we can glorify Him.

2 Peter 3:18

“Be careful that you do not fall from your

strong faith. But grow in the grace and

knowledge of our Lord and

Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him,

now and forever! Amen.”

We must purpose to feed on His Word that we remain strong in our faith that we not fall from it. We must look to Him each day, and receive His grace and live by it. How silly it would be if we ate a good dinner this evening, and think we could survive off of that meal for the rest of the year. No, we would become weak. Our body would become depleted in it’s much needed nutrition that we need for strength to live. As we ponder that thought let us also be diligent to ask Him for His grace and live by it each and every day. Let us purpose to thank Him for His grace and knowledge, and grow in it.

Today let us look upward as we pray and thank Him for the grace He offers us to live by. Let us thank Him that He causes His grace to flow through us that we do not have to depend on our own ability but rather live by His! Praise Him for His wonderful blessing of grace!!

11.21.16

Posted on Nov 21, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Devotional for Monday, November 21, 2016

“Wisdom From Above”

by Dona Hake

James 3:17 (The Voice)

“Heavenly wisdom centers on purity,

peace, gentleness,

deference, mercy, and other good fruits

untainted by hypocrisy.”

God’s wisdom will always be full of these fruits. Wisdom’s fruits are pure, peaceful, and gentle. God’s wisdom will always be respectful and merciful. It will never be touched with hypocrisy for it is pure, real, and it has been tested. God’s wisdom or ways do not change due to circumstance because it is not consistent with His character. Our God never changes, and His wisdom never changes. It will always be full of His good fruits.

When we ask God for His wisdom He desires to bless us with His pure thoughts and how He sees to do a task or speak a word to someone. He desires to bless us with His good judgments. I encourage you today to seek wisdom before every task. Get God’s mind in all you put your hand to. As you ask God for His precious wisdom, believe by faith that it is going to flow into you, and flow forth from you to help you in any situation.

When people ask you for an opinion on something, stop and purpose to seek His wisdom before you speak. This is what people need, and this is what we need in our personal life…not our opinions, not our experiences, but rather the pure wisdom that comes from God above.

11.18.16

Posted on Nov 18, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Devotional for Friday, November 18, 2016

“When You Know He’s Holding You”

by Dona Hake

Today I want to share with you the importance of loving the truth of God’s Word. I believe the more we love and do that which is right in the sight of the Lord, the more clear it will become to us when evil and darkness presents itself to us. Many times I find it so hard to believe how believers can at times seem somewhat vulnerable to the strange ideas and philosophies of this world. Man-made ideas of living in peace and truly being free may work for a time but there is very little foundation. Man’s wisdom will seem right but many times it is without the substance of what we are needing to really go forward with strong direction. When one leans on their own ideas of they perceive to be “truth”, their foundation will be shaken to the core on their day of battle.

Now let us look at how He desires to keep our feet strong, focused and purposed as we walk in the light of His truth. Did you ever have the electricity go down in your home during a storm, and on your way to the place where you have all your flashlights, candles, etc… you stub your toe because you cannot see two feet in front of you? The truth is that in this world, it is totally dark, and we need the Lord by our side at all times to teach us the way that we not stumble, and get ourselves in unnecessary trouble. His Word is our beacon of light to lead, guide and direct us in the most difficult of ways.

Psalm 18:36 The Voice

“You taught me how to walk with care
so my feet will not slip.”

I will share a little memory with you about my Granddaughters. In the summer time they love to help me feed my fifty some huge goldfish in my pond. When they were smaller it was hard for them to throw it far enough so they would attempt to stand on the rocks around the pond. They knew though that Grandma had a very strict rule and that was that they are NEVER permitted to stand on the rocks around the pond unless I was holding them securely. They would fill their little hands up with as much food as they could hold and stand on a rock. Many times the rock they were standing on would begin to move and I could see they would begin to fear so I would hold them even tightly and assure them they would be safe. It would not be long that they would just enjoy their time of feeding, and forget about being afraid of falling in for they trusted I would hold them and keep them safe.

As we follow the Lord and walk with Him, there will be days where things seem shaky under our feet. As we trust Him and know that He is teaching us, and firmly securing us, we can rest knowing that our feet will not slip. Instead of living in fear of the unsure things around us we can go forward being assured of His loving hand wrapped around us, and we can learn to enjoy our lives. We can live in His presence in the fullness of His joy when we are assured that He is holding us closely and keeping us in all of our ways. I am going to leave you with a handful of translations of Psalm 18:36. They all bring a little different perspective of the same truth.

Psalm 18:36 KJV
“Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.”

Psalm 18:36 Amplified Bible
“You have given plenty of room for my steps under me, that my feet would
not slip.”

Psalm 18:36 Easy-to-Read Version
“You cleared a path for my feet
so that I could walk without stumbling.”

11.1.2016

Posted on Nov 1, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

devotional for tuesday, november 1, 2016

“your future is in the hands of god”

by Dona Hake

Philippians 3:13-14
“…but this one thing I do, forgetting

those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Yesterday has past, today is here and tomorrow is coming. What happened yesterday is behind us. May we thank Him for walking with us yesterday, look to Him today expecting good things! Sometimes the memories of our failures, experiences or hurts from yesterday can try to hinder the present moment…but only if we permit them to. I believe God is calling us to live in the moment, in His presence, and in faith toward Him. If our yesterday has brought pain to us we need to ask the Lord to bring healing to our heart, and ask Him for the wisdom we need to walk forward. It is important to remember that when we do walk through hardships that we should seek to embrace and pass on that wisdom that we have attained. Never underestimate the power of sharing your testimony of what you learned as the Lord helped you through something. Remember…we are His light and His mouth piece to speak to those hurting and in need.

God desires that we look forward into our future with faith in our hearts. It is a very bad mistake to live and dwell in our past. It is like trying to drive a car with our gaze continually in the rear view mirror. Yes, there are times we need to glance in our rear view mirrors so we can proceed cautiously. Those glances serve us to proceed with caution that we do not make mistakes or put ourselves in danger. May we be continually looking forward as the Lord walks beside us, and leads us and guides us in His paths that echo His Name.

I love this quote by John Mason. I encourage you to allow it to challenge your heart.

“The future frightens only those who prefer living in the past.”

John Mason

Many times our minds may try to haunt us with reminders of our mistakes or failures from our pasts. Know this…As we take our failures and mistakes to God, He will teach us from them, and we can actually grow stronger. God does not want us to be fearful of our future but rather we need to rejoice in the days to come knowing that He is ready to use us as He wills as we give Him our all! I leave you with this powerful quote…

“MY UNKNOWN FUTURE IS IN

THE HAND OF AN ALL KNOWING GOD”

10.30.16

Posted on Oct 30, 2016 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Devotional for Sunday, October 30, 2016

“The Love That Bears All Things”

by Dona Hake

Today we will meditate upon the fact that God’s love bears all things. I would like to share two different translations that I found to be very helpful in bring an even greater revelation to our hearts.

1 Corinthians 13:7 (AMP)

“Love bears up under anything and everything that comes…”

1 Corinthians 13:7-10 (PHILLIPS)

“Love knows no limit to its endurance…”

The love of God does not give up, and it never weakens. Here is another great scripture that I love that reminds me of what the love chapter is saying about the endurance of our God, and it is found in the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 40:28-31 (The Voice)

“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Eternal, the Everlasting God, The Creator of the whole world, never gets tired or weary. His wisdom is beyond understanding. God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care. Young people will get tired; strapping young men will stumble and fall. But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run—never winded, never weary. They will walk—never tired, never faint.”

Isn’t it good to know that even in times of weariness that as we look to Him, He will enable us to regain the strength that we need to go on because God never tires in any situation. Paul said, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” We serve a God that will help us to bear down and draw on new strength when we just feel like giving up.

I can remember a particular time in my life where I was growing weary as I was believing for the salvation of my father. He was in a nursing home and I would visit each day, as I was also teaching school. I felt like my days were not long enough, and I was growing physically weak, and unable to focus. One evening while I was in prayer the Lord showed me in my spirit an image of a candle that was burning so long that the wick was ready to go out because the wax was so deep and it was extinguishing the wick. It seemed that the candle was a reflection of me losing hope and burning out. As I pondered this, I can remember asking the Lord for His strength and just one moment of clarity with my father that I might be able to pray with him. I rejoiced as that moment came within a day before he died. I was assured he gave his life to the Lord, and I will never forget the strength that only God could give for I had none in my own ability! Praise God that we serve a God that never weakens nor gives up but presses in until the desired result is accomplished. The love of God bears up under anything, and He is able to help us endure even when we are at our weakest. Praise God!