“Only With the Help of God”
by Dona Hake
There is a particular weight loss commercial that literally makes me cringe every time I hear it. It is all about a weight loss pill that will make you lose weight. I am sure it probably does but here’s the part that bothers me….”Lose weight without any lifestyle changes…” Every time I hear it I cannot help but think that in about five years we will be hearing a commercial that says, “If you have taken this weight loss pill and have the following complications…”
No matter what we need to change in this life, it will usually take discipline and self control. Some things are easier than others, and some things taken patience and time. I will never forget hearing a man’s testimony of extreme weight loss. He weighed over 600 lbs. and over a period of time was able to lose 400 of those pounds. It was amazing to see his before and after, and might I add that his story was so inspiring to me. Before he lost the weight, he had basically given up and just stayed at home. He did play online video games and ended up friending a woman on the other side of his world and they played video games. She came to know his weight situation as they chatted and this is all she said…”You are throwing your life away…” Those words inspired, and challenged him! He made some real decisions and it was a slow but sure victory. I shared this scripture with you yesterday, but it fits wonderfully with this devotional.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”
God has made it possible that we tap into the power of self control and discipline. Also, it is wonderful to know that God is able to inspire you in disciplines through His Spirit, and those around you. He is also able to help you accomplish your goals as you purpose your heart to be disciplined for Him in every area of your life. God is able to help you do above and beyond all you dare ask or think! By His power, we can do that which may seem impossible.
“Equipped By the Spirit of God”
by Dona Hake
I can not begin to tell you how many times that I have strategically planned to get myself ready in the morning to be somewhere at a specific time. I am completely ready to walk out the door at the exact moment I need to leave to find that I cannot find my car keys. Out front of my house is sitting my Jeep. It is the one and only thing that is able and will get me to where I need to be, yet without the keys, it is not going to happen. I will be honest that there are occasions that I get into anxiety when this happens because I hate being late! That one and only little key is missing, and I must find it. Usually when I do find it, it was put somewhere that it should not have been placed, and it was only because I wasn’t thinking at the moment.
Have you ever felt that way spiritually? You feel like you have done all you know to do yet you feel like something is missing or misplaced. Many times it may be one little thing, and we just have to find it.
Today I want to encourage you in the fact that the Lord has given us every thing that we need to do that which He has assigned us to do. Good news isn’t it? No matter what the task, the responsibility, or ministry, God has exactly what you need.
If you ever feel tempted to be anxious about how you are going to do what you need to do for Him, just think about this wonderful scripture. He has given us the spirit of power, love and a sound mind to do all that He asks. For every door you need to walk through, He has the key to enable you to do so. Trust in Him for He is always able.
“Wise Men Still Seek Him”
by Dona Hake
Do you seek Him on a daily basis? You know sometimes people may think of only seeking Him in the midst of a problem, but this is all so wrong. God desires that we diligently seek Him while all is good as well. He desires that we seek Him before any task because He desires to be in everything that concerns us in this life.
Knowing God’s Word will bring rest and make you rock solid when the loud, distracting words of this world serve to bring us confusion and weaken our faith.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every
good work. “
2 Timothy 3:16-17
I encourage you today to think about the importance of seeking Him with all of your heart. When it appears that you cannot see clearly, know this, as you seek Him that His Word will lead and guide you to your destination. Remember, wise men still seek Him!
“Are You Passionate About His Word?”
by Dona Hake
What does it meant to be passionate about something? Here is one of the definitions that I found.
It is a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for something. I want to share with you a portion of Psalm 119 in which the psalmist expresses his passion about the Word.
Psalm 119:130-142 The Voice
“When Your words are unveiled, light shines forth;
they bring understanding to the simple.
My desire for Your commands
left me waiting, open-mouthed and panting.
Acknowledge me and show me Your grace
as is Your habit toward all those who love Your name.
Guide my steps in the ways of Your word,
and do not let any sin control me.
Rescue me from the torment of my human oppressors
so that I may live according Your decrees.
Let Your face shine upon Your servant,
and help me to learn what You require.
My eyes shed rivers of tears
whenever people fail to keep Your teaching.
You are good and just, O Eternal One,
and Your rulings are right.
You have set out Your decrees in justice,
and they can be trusted.
I AM OVERWHELMED BY MY PASSION
because my enemies have forgotten Your words.”
Do you have such a passion in your heart today for God’s Word? Have you ever thought how you would live without it? I remember the movie about the precious saint Corrie Ten Boom entitled “The Hiding Place.” They had such love for the Word of God that they were determined to take the risk and sneak their little Bible in with them to the concentration camp that they were being taken to. It was amazing to see them pray before they hid it under her coat, and miraculously the beautiful little Bible made its way past the darkness and evil of that place. You see, she and her sister were passionate about a loving God and His Word. They well understood that all they needed would come from His love and provision.
I pray that today you too are even more passionate about His Word and trusting Him to guide your steps. What a blessing it is to live under the light and love of His Word that gives us everything that we need!
“Oh That We Would Rise!”
by Dona Hake
I was recently reading some facts about the eagle that brings this scripture to life. Did you know that the eagle has a wingspan of up to seven feet? It flies higher than almost any other bird and it flies up to 10,000 feet! It can glide easily at up to 2,400 feet in altitude and moves up to 150 miles an hour. It can also carry objects equal to its body weight. Wow! Pretty interesting isn’t it?
Isaiah 40:31 (AMP)
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”
I have always been fascinated with eagles, and for this reason I have always loved this scripture in the book of Isaiah. This scripture encourages my heart that there is promise to those that truly wait and expect from Him. In our time of weakness we can expect our strength to be renewed, and we can mount up as the eagle, and continue to soar with our God. We may be tempted to be weary and faint, yet something supernatural happens inside when we trust. I can testify from my own life in which I could have chosen to see a situation hopeless and draining yet I experienced His supernatural strength inside of me. I encourage you today to wait upon Him no matter what is going on around you. Whether there is a storm or not, draw upon His awesome strength, run and not be weary,and walk and not faint!
“For What Are You Thankful?”
by Dona Hake
I want to first of all wish all of you a very blessed Thanksgiving Day! Today as you prepare to meet with family and friends I encourage you to be thankful for those around you.
This past Sunday as I was teaching the little ones, I was sharing with them about the holiday Thanksgiving. I began to encourage them to think about what they were thankful for. I went around to each child and ask them what they were thankful for. My heart was touched to hear that almost every one expressed that if was their family. Their little faces were so sweet and confident as they expressed their hearts. I began to share with them about the simple things that can so easily be taken for granted. Food, clothing, warm homes, etc. I went and got a fresh cup of water from the sink and held it up to them and began to share how easy it is to take for granted that we have clean, pure and safe water. I shared that my husband goes into countries around the world, and he has seen that their water is not pure and safe to drink. Their little faces were amazed, and I know it made them think.
I ask you today, for what are you thankful for? Maybe you do not have a big family, and maybe you might not have any family at all. You might consider your family to be those that have been true friends that have encouraged your heart and stood by you through thick and thin. Today and everyday we need to remind ourselves of how blessed we are, and how great our Lord has been to us. I pray that your day will be blessed and enriched as you fellowship with a thankful heart! Let us always be mindful to declare each and every day the wonderful things the Lord has done for us.♥
“Our Future Is In God’s Hands”
by Dona Hake
“…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.”
Today is here and tomorrow is coming. What happened yesterday is in the past. Did good things happen to you yesterday? I hope you can say yes, but if you cannot you must make a choice to see this day as a new day with new beginnings. If your yesterday has brought pain to you then ask the Lord to bring healing to your heart and ask Him for the wisdom you need to walk forward. It important to remember that when we do walk through hardships that we should seek to embrace whatever wisdom we can attain and pass it on to others in need. I have found that many times people seem to be very open to those that may be walking through similar hardships. What a blessing it is to share with someone that is hurting. You may be the only light they have in their dark situation.
God desires that we look forward into our future with faith in our hearts. It is a very bad mistake to live in your past. It is like trying to drive a car with your 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 you as a good way to proceed with caution that you do not make mistakes or put yourself in danger. Just beware that your dwelling place is not behind you because it is so harmful for your growth as a Christian.
“The future frightens only those who prefer living in the past.” John Mason
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 read a really awesome but powerful sentence the other day and it went like this…
“My unknown future is in the hands of an all knowing God.”
I will leave you with that thought today! We can all have our plans and expectations for our future and that is good but praise God that He is all knowing and He can cause our paths to be blessed and prosperous all the days of our lives. God bless you richly as you serve Him this day.
“Those Times That He Carries Us”
by Dona Hake
Today I am going to share this precious poem with you that serves to remind us that the Lord has promised to walk with us, and if need be He will carry you in your weariness.
Footprints in the Sand
“One night I had a dream…
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
There was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life
This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You would walk with me all the way;
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why in times when I
needed you the most, you should leave me.
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,
never leave you during your times of
trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
There was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life
This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You would walk with me all the way;
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why in times when I
needed you the most, you should leave me.
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,
never leave you during your times of
trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”
Author Anonymous
There are many times in my life that I can testify of that I simply do not know how I would have made it a part from Him carrying me. Many times when I see people walk through things without Jesus I feel sorry for them because I know it must be so horrible to feel so alone and weak and no one to turn to because they have not allowed Him to be Lord of their life. When one decides that they have no need for God they surely have a rough road ahead of them.
Let us reflect on times in our lives where we felt there was no more strength yet somehow you carried on and you just knew it was a supernatural strength. God is so good and so faithful. Let us praise Him for the wonderful works of His mighty hands in our lives.
“The Heavenly Fruits of His Wisdom”
by Dona Hake
James 3:17 (The Voice)
“Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy,
and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy.”
“Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy,
and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy.”
God’ wisdom will always rest on these fruits. Wisdom’s fruits are pure, peaceful, and gentle. It is 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 up and change due to circumstance because it is not consistent with His character.
When we ask God for His wisdom He desires to bless us with His pure thoughts and how He sees to do something. 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 as pure fresh living water. 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 above.
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!!
thank you Lisa for sharing. I am blessed that this was a blessing to you!
Ralph &I are really enjoying your devotional together.
So glad this is blessing you both!
Oh, what a wonderful reminder! I want to break the magnifing glass of worry and trust God for each step I take.
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!