“A Word Fitly Spoken”

Posted on Feb 20, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

To be quite honest I have always thought the jigsaw puzzles with one thousand pieces would be more of a headache to do rather than therapeutic! I commend anyone that loves to sit and put such grand puzzles together. Actually my speed is the kind my oldest granddaughter has…you know, the ones with twenty four pieces. It is so interesting to observe even in the smaller puzzles that some pieces look like they absolutely have to fit yet they do not.

Our words are like pieces to a grand puzzle. Sometimes we can feel that the words we are desiring to express will fit so well, yet when we speak them, it all seems wrong. I can remember a time in particular with my Granddaughter that she thought for sure a particular puzzle piece just had to fit, and she began to force it. Interesting analogy isn’t it?….we can feel we are right, and we begin to force our opinions and words.

God desires that our words bless, encourage, and produce. Today I want to share with you about how important it is that our words are to be spoken and fitting for the moment. You see, even a right word spoken in a wrong attitude or wrong time just does not fit nor does it help the hearer. I was studying over many translations of this scripture , and I found them all to be so enlightening.

Proverbs 25:11 (CJB)
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word appropriately spoken.

Proverbs 25:11 (ERV)
” Saying the right thing at the right time …”

Proverbs 25:11 (GNT) “An idea well-expressed…”

Proverbs 25:11 (TLB) “Timely advice is as lovely…”

Proverbs 25:11 (VOICE) “A well-spoken word at just the right moment…”

Today let us be reminded that timing has it’s perfect place when it comes to words. Right timing which is God’s timing will prompt us when and how to speak. Silence also has it’s place, so do not feel you are doing wrong when you are feeling prompted to just be silent even in those times your heart is speaking that you have the answer. May our words bless and be as apples of gold in settings of silver!

“Maintaining a Heart of Joy”

Posted on Feb 19, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

After I posted this image it is somewhat making my heart giggle. I think the art is portraying that the heart is a flower yet it reminds me of a balloon filled with helium. I am thinking of those days in which my “balloon of joy” is not flying very high! I had one of those days yesterday. Oh my, one thing right after another seemed to be going wrong, and then throw into that some interesting challenges, and by the end of the day I was exhausted. I was tempted to think this thought a hand full of times…”I just wish I could do this day all over again.”

Now as I think back over my day, it was only my own fault that I was not recognizing my need to stay focused on the Lord and His presence for in His presence is FULLNESS of joy. I have been sharing for the past few days also of the importance of drawing upon His grace. How easy it is to permit the circumstances of this life to overshadow the truth that we know and need to be doing.

Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy;

at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Today, I encourage you to stay mindful to do that which you know in your heart and that which is right in His sight. They say “Hind sight is always 20/20 vision.” This is true for I look back on my yesterday, and could see I could have done better if I would have drawn upon Him more, and not focused on the challenges. Actually the more I thought upon all that went wrong, the more they seemed to grow bigger in my mind. Thank God that He speaks to us even when we miss the mark. God is so good, and His mercies are abundant!

“His Grace Abounds Toward Us”

Posted on Feb 18, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

2 Corinthians 9:8 (AMP)

“And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].”

I have been loving and thoroughly enjoying our meditations upon God’s grace! Today will be my last day to share on grace and I would like us to meditate on the fact that our loving God is well able to make grace happen in our lives, and it is absolutely ours when we ask. Not only will He cause it to flow toward us but it will be in abundance. He has good reason for His abundant giving for He wants us to possess enough that we can do any good work for Him. In the book of James he speaks of faith without works is dead so let us release our faith to do the good works that our Lord is asking us to do.

Today I leave with you a very interesting quote I came across, and I found it to be appropriate for today.

“Grace is given not because we have done good works,

but in order that we may be able to do them.”

St. Augustine of Hippo

This quote reminds me once again that there is nothing we can do to earn His grace. It is a free gift with the purpose to help us, to aid us, and to strengthen us in the work for Him. Remind us Lord that You are always able to cause your grace to flow toward us in our time of need in order that we may have abundance for every good work for You.

“When Grace Comes Into the Soul”

Posted on Feb 17, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Today we continue to look at God’s grace! The old hymn entitled “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” is so powerful and it’s words so beautifully speak of how the things on earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace. “

This blessed gift of grace is from God, and it is ours, and all we have to do is ask Him for it. Again I will remind you that it is free, and it will strengthen you to do His will and it will carry you when you feel you cannot go on any longer. Our hearts must strive to remain humble for God resists the proud in heart. This grace will regenerate you as this great strength proceeds from the Spirit of the living God.

Today I want to share about when we ask for His grace that it is by faith. As we release our faith for God’s grace in our time of weakness or need, we need to know in our hearts that God is faithful to grant it to us.

“The Lord God is a sun and shield:

the Lord will give grace and glory;

no good thing will He withhold

from them that walk uprightly.”

Psalm 84:11

Lord, we lift our hearts to You and humbly ask for your grace today. We are so blessed to serve a loving God that withholds no good thing as we purpose in our hearts to walk upright before You. Your Word says in Proverbs 4:18 that the path of those who live right is like the early morning light. It gets brighter and brighter until the full light of day. Thank you for blessing us with Your grace and Your glory as we keep the eyes of our hearts turned toward You.

“As We Praise Him For His Greatness…”

Posted on Feb 16, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I am purposely and deliberately taking longer to share with you about God’s grace. I want you to be saturated with understanding how vital it is that we understand His grace. Today, I want to review the past four days of what I have shared.

We have looked at the question, “What is grace?”. We have learned the beautiful fact that it was here even before time began. Grace is freely given, none of us can work for it, nor do we deserve it. It is solely from the Spirit of God and it operates in us as it regenerates and strengthens our spirit. It is as we maintain a humble heart that we will always be vessels in which God’s grace can flow toward!

If one is proud they will not even consider their need for help from above. A proud person will not ask for grace from God. The proud in heart will always seek to do things their own way, and of course they will desire to take credit for all their accomplishments for these feeds the pride of anyone. I would like to share a scripture with you from 1 Peter 5:5. This is from the Amplified Bible…yes, it’s a bit wordy but read it slowly and allow it to minister to your heart. I promise you, it will!

1 Peter 5:5 Amplified Version
“Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.”

Today I encourage you to “bundle up” in the garments of humility! It was 0 degrees this morning, and before I went out with my dog, I bundled up in layers. I dressed wisely for my own protection. I was trying to take a picture with my iPhone so I had to go without a glove on the hand I was holding the phone. I was not out even three minutes, and that hand began to burn from the freezing temperatures.

You see, you cannot play around with keeping yourself protected by using common sense and God given wisdom. So it is that we need to heed from all wisdom from above! Can we just think about how wise it is to “bundle up” in humility so that we can take a protective stand against any temptation that pride can bring? I do not know about you, but I want to be the vessel looking up at God’s greatness and be a recipient of His wonderful grace!

“God’s Grace Is Truly Amazing”

Posted on Feb 15, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I have been so blessed as I have been meditating on the grace of God, and I am excited to share these reflections with you. I want to refresh your memory with the words of John Newton that I shared yesterday.

“I am not what I ought to be.
I am not what I want to be.
I am not what I hope to be.
But still, I am not what I used to be,
And by the grace of God,
I am what I am.”

What a humble heart John Newton exhibited in his words. These words tell me that he kept everything in proper perspective. He understood that without God he was could do nothing yet he valued that all that was done in his life was because of the grace of God. He speaks to us words here that set an example for us to live by. He never forgot where he came from, and he understood that he needed grace to accomplish God’s perfect will. It is no wonder that the Lord used John Newton to bring us this wonderful hymn that has been held precious in the hearts of many for such a long time.

“Amazing Grace”

John Newton (1725-1807)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.

“Who Is It That Asks For His Grace?”

Posted on Feb 14, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

Who is it that asks for His grace? I will answer that question right here in the devotional. First, I will share with you again the definition of grace that I shared yesterday.

“Grace: the freely given, unmerited favor of God;

the Spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.”

Here is another definition that blessed me…
“God’s grace is immeasurable,
eternal, overflowing, perfect,
and lavish, yet free. Undeserved,
enlightening, incomprehensible,
glorious, and divine, yet available.
It is abounding and astounding.
God’s grace is amazing!

This is what John Newton said…
“I am not what I ought to be.
I am not what I want to be.
I am not what I hope to be.
But still, I am not what I used to be,
And by the grace of God,
I am what I am.”

These are words from a truly humbled heart before God. So who is it that asks for His grace? It is the man or woman that seeks to have a humble heart, and resist any form of pride whatsoever. It is the heart that truly understands where all strength, ability, and power come from. It is the heart that totally understands where true change comes from.

When I read what John Newton wrote, I see a heart that is longing to be in the “present moment” with a loving God. I encourage you to read this again and ask God to reveal to your heart all that He has done in you, yet there is still so much more that needs accomplished. Praise Him for who He has made you to be today, and where He has brought you from! Yet always keep in your focus the fact that God still has a great work He desires to do in you and it will only be brought about as you continue to ask for His grace.

“What Is Grace?”

Posted on Feb 13, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

I love how our Loving God knows what we need before we understand that we even have a need or a problem. He knows the answer to every problem we face, and He understands our weaknesses as humans. As God created the heavens and the earth, His fingers worked it all like a wonderful tapestry. It all has reason and purpose, and know this…there is not one thing created without reason. Every star in heaven was placed by His hand, the seas obey their boundaries by His command, He formed and breathed life into the Man he formed. Oh what a Mighty God!

Today I want to share with you that before man was even created, the Word of God says that grace was here and for good reason. Remember this, God has a divine purpose for every thought He thinks and everything He does. Here is part of the scripture I want you to read and ponder…

“…that grace was given to us through Christ Jesus before time began.”
2 Timothy 1:9 ERV

Now let’s read the whole verse with the part you just read…

“God saved us and chose us to be his holy people, but not because of anything we ourselves did. God saved us and made us his people because that was what he wanted and it was because of his grace. That grace was given to us through Christ Jesus before time began.”

Before time began it was in the mind of God to have a holy people to call His own. He knew man would need His help so the provision of grace through Jesus Christ was already planned in God’s mind. He created us in His wisdom to do wonderful things while we live on this Earth yet we have abilities that have limitations. We may be strong but our strength has it’s limitations. Quite simply, God created us with one great need, and that need is for Him to be a part of every breath we take and every purpose we pursue. Oh that we stay aware that we must live this life by the grace of God!

I want to share a sweet definition of grace that I came across.

“Grace: the freely given,
unmerited favor of God;
the Spirit of God operating
in humans to regenerate
or strengthen them.”

Grace…none of us deserve it from God but He desires to infuse you with it! He desires this day to regenerate and strengthen you with it. God is so good!

“Power In Our Words”

Posted on Feb 12, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

The Lord desires that we stay mindful of the power of our words. Our tongue has the power to encourage, heal and build up. What a blessing we are when we seek to be used in such a way. Yet our words can cause hurt and pain if we are not keeping a guard on our thoughts which always come before the words are spoken.

Our words can encourage another’s heart so greatly that we could make someone feel like they are on a mountain top. Words are capable of building up and encouraging a a heart, and our words can also move mountains in our life if we dare to fill our hearts with faith and believe for mountains to move. There is also the very negative force that words can bring and that is to hinder the heart of someone because you have spoken from a heart of negativity. Negative words can tear down another’s heart and cause them to doubt themselves, and lose hope. I find it sad to know that our words could even destroy another’s dreams. Did you ever meet someone that is full of potential yet negative words from their past have frozen their steps from going forward into the purposes God has for them? There are those that go through life with negative “mountains” in their life because of negative words spoken over them. This is so sad, yet it should serve to remind us to keep our mouths shut when we are tempted to speak negative things to people.

Colossians 4:6 (AMP)
” Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as
it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to
answer anyone [who puts a question to you.”

Today I encourage you to think about the words that proceed from your mouth. Think as well about the power of your words when your heart is filled with faith. The mountains that may be hindering your life can be moved as you speak words of faith. Father, help us to be mindful to speak words of faith and encouragement throughout our day. Remind us to keep our meditations sweet and pure in Your sight, and we ask that You would put a guard over our lips that our words would speak good and edifying things. In Jesus Name!

”The truth is, you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, mountain, fall into the sea.’ And if you have no doubts in your mind and believe that what you say will happen, then God will do it for you.” Mark 11:23 ERV

“But the Lord Looks At the Heart”

Posted on Feb 11, 2015 in Devotions |

by Dona Hake

1 Samuel 16:7(ERV)
“… God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the
outside, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7 (VOICE)
“… for the Eternal One does not pay attention to what humans value.
Humans only care about the external appearance, but the Eternal considers
the inner character.”

Today I want you to consider seeing yourself and others as God sees. Many times we can be guilty of judging a person or situation by the outward appearance. We stop at that and this is so very wrong. The old saying, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” is so very true. Many times we do not give people a chance simply because we are not looking closely and deeply into their heart.

I believe as we pray diligently and ask God for His wisdom into every matter He will begin to open our eyes and impart His sight to us. I find it so sad that many times we fall short of being merciful and forgiving because we are just being wise in our own eyes in our judgments of people and situations. Let us be cautious in this matter as we encounter people. Let us seek to see as God sees.
I pray today that you will look to Him and let His eyesight become yours. I believe as we do this we will begin to see ourselves grow in God’s mercy and His forgiveness like never before.

Devotional Archives

6 Responses to “Devotional”

Lisa Viands says:

November 8, 2013 at 5:05 pm

This is a good way of teaching the kids to forgive each other(Matt. 5:7). I like the power of this gentle scripture and lesson… Thanks!!
- Dona Hake says:
  
  November 8, 2013 at 11:15 pm
  
  thank you Lisa for sharing. I am blessed that this was a blessing to you!
Selena Neely says:

November 18, 2013 at 3:07 pm

Ralph &I are really enjoying your devotional together.
- Dona Hake says:
  
  November 18, 2013 at 3:29 pm
  
  So glad this is blessing you both!
Selena Neely says:

November 19, 2013 at 12:50 pm

Oh, what a wonderful reminder! I want to break the magnifing glass of worry and trust God for each step I take.
Dona Hake says:

November 20, 2013 at 2:41 am

It is interesting Selena how the more we worry the bigger and more magnified things get in our minds. Oh how important it is to trust our God for the smallest of things! Thank you for sharing!